Berg van de Afstorting nabij Nazareth 1862 - 1876

This stereoscopic photograph was taken by Jean Andrieu sometime in the mid-19th century. Photography, as a process, is deeply tied to both science and industry, combining chemical knowledge with mass production. Here, the tonal qualities of the print, a pale monochrome, give a sense of a scene captured, rather than composed, offering what was considered an objective view. Notice how the stereoscopic presentation – two images side-by-side – creates an illusion of three-dimensionality. This would have offered viewers an immersive experience of the landscape, a virtual pilgrimage. The image's social significance lies in its accessibility. Unlike painting, which required years of training and specialized materials, photography opened up visual representation to a broader segment of society, offering a new form of documentation and a means of mass communication. Photography democratized image-making. This is a view available to almost anyone with a stereoscope. By focusing on photography’s material and social dimensions, we gain a richer understanding of its place in art history, challenging the traditional divide between fine art and everyday practice.