Jessie - I'll See if He's Coming, Harold. Santa - I'll See if Those Children Are Asleep 1899

This stereograph, made around 1899 by the Keystone View Company, is a mass-produced image, printed on card stock using photographic processes. Its original purpose was to create a three-dimensional viewing experience, a form of entertainment widely accessible at the time. The image presents a staged domestic scene: two children peeking through a doorway to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, who is laden with gifts amid falling snow. This scene is of course carefully constructed, and the material qualities of the photograph itself contribute to its social and cultural significance. The sharp resolution and tonal range, achieved through chemical processes, emphasize the tangible nature of the scene, blurring the line between reality and constructed fantasy. The mass production of such images speaks to the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century, and the commodification of holiday traditions like Christmas. Ultimately, this stereograph serves as a reminder of the intertwined nature of technology, consumerism, and cultural beliefs.