Beurspoortje, gezien vanaf de Vijgendam, Amsterdam 1859 - 1870

This stereo card of the Beurspoortje in Amsterdam was made by Pieter Oosterhuis sometime in the mid-19th century. This photographic technique involves capturing two slightly different images of the same scene, then mounting them side-by-side. When viewed through a special stereoscope, the brain merges the two images, creating an illusion of three-dimensionality. The rise of photography was deeply entwined with industrial advancements and consumer culture. Photographic materials like glass plates and chemical developers were manufactured on a mass scale, making the medium more accessible. Studios popped up in cities, offering portraiture to a broader public than ever before. Stereo cards, in particular, became a popular form of entertainment and education. People could collect and trade views from around the world, experiencing faraway places from the comfort of their homes. This democratization of image-making challenged traditional art forms, blurring the lines between craft, industry, and art. Oosterhuis's photograph reflects how new technologies reshape our understanding of visual culture.