Gezicht op de Geroldsau-waterval nabij Baden-Baden, Duitsland 1860 - 1890

This is a stereo photograph of the Geroldsau waterfall near Baden-Baden, Germany, captured by Ferrier Père-Fils et Soulier. This technique was popular in the 19th century, offering viewers an immersive, almost virtual experience. Consider the cultural context: the rise of tourism, scientific exploration, and the desire to document and consume exotic locations. What does it mean to capture a landscape, to commodify it for the viewer’s consumption? How does the experience differ based on who you are? For those who had the economic means to travel, a stereo photograph might have served as a memento, while for others it could have acted as a form of escapism, a way to transcend the boundaries of their daily lives. The waterfall itself embodies a kind of power and sublime beauty; the representation of the natural world is never neutral. By inviting us to reflect on the cultural and historical significance of this image, we can deepen our understanding of how photography has shaped the world.