Gezicht op de haven van Bordeaux 1862 - 1876

Jean Andrieu made this stereoscopic photograph of the port of Bordeaux in the mid-19th century. At first glance, the sepia tones and symmetrical composition evoke a sense of stillness. The eye is drawn to the repetition of forms: the tents, the ships' masts, and even the dual images characteristic of stereoscopy, which create a layered visual experience. The receding lines of the quayside and the ships create a structured space, yet the soft focus and muted palette introduce an element of ambiguity. The photograph can be seen as a study in contrasts. The rigid geometry of the man-made structures juxtaposes with the organic forms of the trees and the undefined horizon. This tension reflects broader 19th-century concerns about the relationship between industrial progress and the natural world. The stereoscopic effect itself invites us to consider how perception is constructed through dual perspectives, challenging the notion of a singular, objective viewpoint. Ultimately, this work prompts us to question the stability of meaning itself, reminding us that every image is a product of specific historical and technological conditions.