Stereophotography

Fascination of spatial vision - before the time of 3D TV and VR glasses.

Review of a stereoscopic image, family by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

Stereo photographs (also called spatial images), consist of two photographs of the same subject, each taken from a different angle.

The White Hall in the Royal Palace (1880) by J. F. StiehmBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

This angle, from which both images were taken, corresponds to the angle of view of our eyes.

Review of a stereoscopic image, girl by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

Due to the ability of spatial vision, our eyes can combine the two stereoscopic partial images into an overall spatial impression.

Stereo photography: the Brewster viewer for daguerreotypes and paper images (1865) by Knud PetersenBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

For this three-dimensional impression of the image, the stereo cards must be viewed at the correct distance, e.g. with the aid of a stereoscope (also called a stereo viewer).

Review of a stereoscopic image by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

With the beginning of the 1850s, this type of photography became increasingly popular.

The Casino Gardens in Monte Carlo (1900) by J.F.Jarvis PublishersBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

The coveted stereo maps became collector's items, showing landmarks in faraway places, for example.

Stereoscopic image of the Victoria regia house in the palm garden in Frankfurt a. M. by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

Exotic plants were also a popular motif. 

Stereoscopic moon image (1858/1859) by Warren De la RueBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

There were also already astronomical images of the moon.

Stereoscopic image - Venus and Cupid (1850) by Charles E. GoodmanBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

Photographs of works of art were also very popular.

The Orphan's Dream (original title) (1857) by Joseph John ElliottBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

Image manipulations could even create a supernatural or spooky atmosphere.

Stereoscopic image, ghostly apparition by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

The effect of these ghostly apparitions was enhanced by the spatial impression of the stereo photographs.  

The concert (1860) by Joseph John ElliottBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

In addition, the originally black-and-white photographs were often colored by hand.

Review of stereoscopic image, girl with carafe by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

Some stereophotographs are made on particularly thin "tissue" paper. These were colored on the reverse side.

Review of stereoscopic image, still life of flowers by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

The light shining through from the back of these "tissue" stereophotographs makes the colors appear even more intense.

Review of stereoscopic image, three girls by Photographer unknownBildarchiv der bpk-Bildagentur

The colors applied by hand give the motifs a lively impression.

Credits: Story

Bildauswahl, bpk-Bildarchiv: Antonia Teweleit

Text, bpk-Bildarchiv: Antonia Teweleit

Credits: All media
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