Roerdomp op nest c. 1870 - 1940

This black and white photograph of a bittern on its nest was taken by Adolphe Burdet in the Netherlands. The photograph captures the bird in its natural habitat, nestled amongst reeds, using a stereo photographic technique. During Burdet's time, advancements in photography led to its increasing use in scientific documentation. This image reflects a growing interest in natural history and conservation, aligning with emerging environmental movements. Stereo photography, creating a three-dimensional effect, was popular for both scientific and recreational purposes. Institutions like museums and universities began incorporating photography into their research and educational programs. Burdet’s choice of subject—a bittern—may reflect a desire to document and celebrate local wildlife. The Rijksmuseum’s collection of such photographs highlights a cultural value placed on preserving and understanding the natural world through the lens of technology. To understand this image better, we can look to ornithological studies, environmental histories, and the archives of photographic societies. Art, here, becomes a reflection of our evolving relationship with nature.