Persoon bij een vijver in een park in Engeland c. 1854 - 1880

This stereoscopic image of a person by a pond in an English park was produced by the London Stereoscopic Company. The company mass-produced images like this one for a growing Victorian middle class eager to consume scenes of leisure and nature. Stereoscopes, which created a 3D effect when viewing these cards, became a popular form of entertainment in Victorian homes. The image here presents an idealized view of the English countryside, reinforcing ideas of social order and the picturesque that were highly valued at the time. Notice how the lone figure is carefully placed within the composition. As art historians, we can delve into the archives of the London Stereoscopic Company, analyse the socio-economic conditions of Victorian England, and understand the visual codes employed to promote certain cultural values. By situating this photograph within its historical context, we gain insights into the role of art in shaping social norms.