Gezicht op de Mer-de-Glace c. 1860 - 1880

This is a stereoscopic photograph by Ernest Eléonor Pierre Lamy, capturing a view of the Mer de Glace glacier. Stereoscopic photography was very popular in the 19th century, offering viewers an immersive, three-dimensional experience of landscapes and scenes from around the world. This particular image invites us to consider the Western gaze on nature during this period. The presence of armed figures in the foreground might evoke exploration, conquest, or the picturesque. How does the act of framing the landscape change our understanding of it? Does it celebrate its beauty, or does it subtly assert control? Looking at this image today, we might also think about the impact of climate change on these landscapes. As glaciers recede, these historical photographs serve as a poignant reminder of what has been lost. Contemplating this photograph evokes not only a sense of awe but also an awareness of our changing relationship with the natural world. It encourages a reflection on how we perceive, document, and interact with the environment around us.