Gezicht op Koblenz, waar de Rijn en de Moezel bij elkaar komen 1882

This stereoscopic photograph of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel rivers converge, was created by Johann Friedrich Stiehm in 1883. It offers a dual perspective of the city, its waterways, and surrounding landscape. Consider how Stiehm uses the formal elements of photography to convey depth and scale. The high vantage point flattens the architectural details of the buildings, while the dark mass of foliage in the foreground acts as a base, enhancing the illusion of distance. The waterways, rendered in soft grey tones, divide the composition, leading the eye towards the horizon. The stereoscopic effect invites us to reflect on the nature of representation itself. Photography, with its apparent indexicality, promises a truthful depiction, yet this image is carefully composed. The subdued palette, limited detail, and strategic use of perspective underscore the constructed nature of the view, reminding us that even seemingly objective images are shaped by artistic intention.