Alexis Gaudin, zijn vrouw en enkele modellen bekijken stereofoto's 1860

This anonymous photograph captures Alexis Gaudin, his wife, and some models viewing stereoscopic photographs. Made with an early photographic process, the sepia tones and the symmetrical, double composition immediately draw us into the scene. The photograph is divided into two identical frames, each presenting a tableau of figures gathered around a central table. The composition is tightly arranged, creating a sense of enclosed, intimate space. Notice how the subjects’ attire, particularly the elaborate dresses, adds texture and volume, contrasting with the dark, heavy drapes in the background. The meticulous arrangement of the scene reflects a constructed reality, typical of early photography, where staging and presentation were crucial. The use of stereoscopic technology introduces an element of doubling and depth, essential to understanding its cultural context. This technique, popular in the 19th century, offered viewers a heightened sense of realism. The photograph thus engages with the themes of perception and representation. It invites us to reflect on how photography mediates our understanding of reality, blurring the lines between the authentic and the artificial.