Gezicht op Nice c. 1862 - 1863

Jean Andrieu captured this stereoscopic photograph, titled 'Gezicht op Nice', using a technique that creates a 3D effect when viewed through a stereoscope. This image opens a window into mid-19th century Nice, a city undergoing significant transformation driven by the burgeoning tourism industry. Andrieu, working in this context, offers a carefully framed view that speaks to the power dynamics inherent in the act of observation. From an elevated vantage point, we look down upon the city, subtly reinforcing a sense of control and privilege. This perspective invites reflection on who has the authority to represent a place and its people, and for what purposes. Stereoscopic images like this one were not just novelties; they were tools that shaped perceptions of distant lands, influencing ideas about culture, progress, and national identity. Andrieu's work provides a lens through which to consider the complex interplay between commerce, representation, and the gaze.