Fontein en muziekpaviljoen in het Tivolipark in Hannover 1869 - 1872

This photograph captures Johann Friedrich Stiehm’s vision of the Tivoli Park in Hannover. Made with a sepia tone, the scene presents a complex interplay of architectural elements and social space. Stiehm uses a symmetrical composition, with the fountain and music pavilion mirrored across the stereo card. This symmetry creates a sense of formal order. The foreground is filled with tables and chairs, suggesting a space for social interaction and leisure. Statues punctuate the scene, embodying classical ideals, while the detailed architecture of the pavilion, with its arches and towers, evokes a sense of grandeur. Stiehm layers the visual space, guiding the viewer's eye through the scene, yet he also allows a more casual enjoyment of everyday life. The photograph exists not just as a record but as a constructed image, carefully arranged to convey particular ideas about leisure and culture. It invites us to consider how public spaces are designed to shape social experiences.