Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Amsterdam 1890 - 1910

This anonymous stereoscopic photograph shows the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal in Amsterdam. It presents a dual image to create a 3D effect, popular in the late 19th century. The photo offers a glimpse into the social and urban landscape of Amsterdam. The canal, a central feature, reflects the city's historical reliance on waterways for transport and commerce. We can see people strolling along the canal, suggesting a public space for leisure and social interaction. These scenes provide insights into the daily life of the period, and the way that the Dutch people interact with their urban environment. Stereoscopic photos like this were a form of mass media. The inscription, ‘Views From Holland,’ and the publisher's name, ‘John Broadwood & Sons, New York,’ indicate its production for an international market eager to consume images of foreign lands. To understand the photograph fully, further research into the history of Amsterdam's urban development, the evolution of photography, and the cultural exchange between Europe and America in the 19th century is needed.