Gezelschap in de pagode in de tuin van de Villa Pallavicini in Pegli c. 1860 - 1880

Adolphe Godard captured this stereoscopic image, "Gezelschap in de pagode in de tuin van de Villa Pallavicini in Pegli," offering us a glimpse into 19th-century European fascination with exoticism. Here, a group gathers inside what appears to be a pagoda-like structure, set within the lush gardens of an Italian villa. This architectural exoticism reflects the era's interest in orientalism, which frequently constructed idealized or imagined versions of non-Western cultures. The image hints at the intersection of class and cultural appropriation; the villa's inhabitants, likely members of the European elite, are enjoying a space that imitates Eastern architectural styles. Godard’s photograph captures a moment of leisure and cultural tourism, yet it also underscores the power dynamics inherent in the consumption and display of non-Western cultures. It prompts us to consider how cultural exchange can reinforce social hierarchies and shape our understanding of identity and place.