Gezicht op Sevilla met het Plaza de Toros en de Guadalquivir 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu's stereoscopic image presents a panoramic view of Seville, capturing the city's topography through a haze of early photographic techniques. The composition is dominated by the circular form of the Plaza de Toros, a stark contrast to the grid-like arrangement of the city's buildings. The stereoscopic format invites us to consider questions about representation and reality. Andrieu uses the camera not just to document, but to construct a particular image of Seville. The use of stereoscopy introduces depth and volume, offering a richer, more 'realistic' visual experience. Yet, it also reinforces the artificiality of the image, reminding us that what we are viewing is a constructed representation. The sepia tones and soft focus contribute to a sense of nostalgia, framing Seville as a city steeped in history. This formal quality allows us to ponder the image's role in shaping perceptions of place and cultural identity. In this way, Andrieu's work operates as a cultural artifact.