Gezicht op de Arno te Pisa c. 1850 - 1880

This stereoscopic photograph, "Gezicht op de Arno te Pisa," was created by Enrico van Lint in the mid-19th century using the collodion process, a technique that captures a scene on a glass plate negative. The photograph, presented as a double image, allowed viewers to experience a sense of depth when viewed through a stereoscope. The sepia tones and the way the light interacts with the textures of the buildings and water speak to the particular chemistry of the collodion. This process, though relatively quick for its time, still required careful preparation of the glass plate, precise timing during exposure, and immediate development. It demanded both technical skill and an artistic eye, linking the craft of photography to the broader world of fine art. Photographs like this played a role in shaping perceptions of places like Pisa for a wider audience. The commercial production and distribution of such images were tied to the burgeoning tourist industry, offering a picturesque view that both reflected and constructed cultural ideals. In the modern era, it invites us to consider the economic and social forces that propelled both photography and tourism in the 19th century.