Biljartzaal in het kasteel van Saint-Cloud 1858

This stereoscopic photograph depicts the Billiard Room in the Château de Saint-Cloud. Though undated, its materiality speaks volumes. Photography in this period involved complex chemistry, darkrooms, and careful printing, transforming reality into a tangible object. But look closely at the billiard table. It is crafted of richly figured wood, most likely imported from afar, then carved and polished to gleaming perfection. This speaks to the labor and artistry involved in creating such an object. Consider also the social context: a billiard room was a privileged space, a site of leisure and strategy reserved for the elite. The photograph, therefore, isn't just a record of a room, but a document of social stratification. By considering the materials, the making process, and the cultural context, we begin to see how even a simple image can reveal complex stories about labor, privilege, and the society in which it was created. This challenges our perception of photography, connecting it to histories of craft and social commentary.