The Stereoscope and Stereo-photography

The illusion of depth is very old. Linear perspective was often used in paintings of the early Middle Ages to enhance the illusion of space.
Later, this artificial depth effect was improved thanks to optical perspective. Early perspective boxes however create the illusion of depth by combining central perspective and anamorphic distortion.

A good example is Samuel van Hoogstraten's (1627-1678) perspective box (about 1655-1660) in the National Gallery, London.
The more recent peepshows from the 18^th. and 19^th. Century are much more simple but also able to create the depth illusion through viewing architectural engravings with linear perspective via a large bi-convex lens using our two eyes. The bi-convex increase the 3-D illusion of the often exaggerated perspective views, (Vue d' Optique).  Since also colors have their own focusing point, these also helps in creating a surprising depth in details. Red for example is often seen "floating" above the lines of the engraving, an astonishing effect!

However, a much more realistic 3-D illusion appeared with the invention of the stereoscope, shortly before the dawn of photography, by Sir Charles Wheatstone. (1802-1875) This Wheatstone mirror stereoscope was a cumbersome apparatus when compared with the later improvements of Sir David Brewster (1781-1868).

The first popular publication of Wheatstone's invention appeared in "The Illustrated London News" 1852 together with the Brewster stereoscope and improvements. The drawing of a stereoscopic scene was not obvious, although convincing examples do exist. Soon after the invention of photography (1839) the way thats lead to the succes of the stereoscope was open. Next to topographical scenes, interiors and special effect views (such as the stereo diableries) many scientific stereo's were produced. Relatively well known are Jules Duboscq's scientific stereo's.

However, the A. Neyt stereo's depicting Joseph Plateau's experiments with the formation of laminar films on metal frames certainly deserve our attention, and more especially further research.
In the recent, and only thorough, study on Joseph Plateau's scientific work, professor Dorikens further explains that "After such a frame has been immersed in 'liquide glycérique', spectacular thin films are formed between the edges" Due to these experiments, "Plateau discovers the laws of the laminar systems". "They apply everywhere where bubbles are formed." Even in the Champagne we drink to celebrate our grandfather of cinema.

- Visit also the peepshow: "Oh. You shall see vat you shall see" (1760) 3-D illusion before stereoscopy -





The first stereoscopic photographs were made with a single camera. Two separate exposures were made with a small horizontal relocation based on the distance of the eyes. Or simply using two identical camera's at the same time as seen in the image right. Soon after, stereo camera's (and viewing apparatus) were designed.

The first commercial stereoscopes were produced by the French Duboscq & Soleil.
These early stereoscopes and stereo photographs were exhibited at the first World exhibition in the Crystal Palace, 1851, and left a deep impression on Queen Victoria. (according to the legend!)
The Queen saw several early binocular daguerreotypes in a Brewster type stereoscope. Partly due to the Royal interest the succes of the stereoscope was launched. (all information to confirm this legend is very welcome)

Stereoscopy became extremely popular and a huge variety of camera's and viewers were designed. Most famous for their mechanical and optical quality are the Jules Richard stereo camera's, still in use today in the hands of many enthusiast collectors.
However, on this page, I will focus on earlier stereo viewers, both handheld and the more elaborate salon stereoscopes.
At the end of the 19^th. Century, the stereoscope was the television of that era.
"No home withouth a stereoscope" became a most popular slogan.


 

 ^{Early Duboscq - Soleil table viewer}

The table stereoscope on the left is an early Duboscq - Soleil viewer.
Two blindstamps are printed in the wood. Although simple, this viewer is interesting because a build in septum inside avoid cross viewing of the eyes.

Due to the poor quality of the optics the septum is necessary but this makes this viewer cumbersome to use. For every change of image, the septum needs two manipulations. Mouve mouse over to see septum inside.

Other than illustrated, this viewer was original designed for thick Glass stereo images (framed albumin or glass transparency), perhaps also daguerreotypes? Strong and thick metal holders, found inside, proof this. A series of glass stereo slides was also found, together with this viewer.

Soon after, the quality of optics was improved and this type of large movable septums fortunately disappeared. (in this type of viewers)
Perhaps the best known, standard, table viewer for glass plates is the Jules Richard Taxiphote.

However, the Stereodrome by Gaumont is superior, both in optics, mechanical construction and therefore easier to operate. See image below.

The Stereodrome Gaumont is unmistakable the most reliable salon viewer for glassplates due to it's simple cast iron mecanism inside. The mecanism is designed to operate indepentent with or withouth the wooden construction.
Similar to the Jules Richard Taxiphote, there are three standard sizes, corresponding with the three stereoglass standard formats.
1.77" x 4.21" / 2,36" x 5.1" / 3.34" x 6.69"

Depicted here is the Stereodrome for the 2,36" x 5.1 size, which is the most common. Some versions can be adapted for use as a 3-D projector.
The variety of stereoviewers is almost endless and goes from very simple free gift handheld viewers to the most luxurious Natural Stereoscope.

Further on this page, some more modest stereoviewers will be shown, most of them designed for stereo (tissue) albumin views in standard size.
Unlike the three different sizes in glass stereo views, in case of paper stereo views there is one dominant format we all know.
Smaller albumin stereoviews do exist but are more rare. The same is true for the corresponding viewers. The first stereoview depicted on my favorite stereophotograph page illustrate a suchlike "small size stereo tissue albumin". I welcome any help in identifying the corresponding viewer. @

Unfortunately, well illustrated books on the history of stereoscope viewers are extremely rare. Perhaps to best historical text reference is "Stereoscopes, the first one hundred years" by Paul Wing. The reproductions however are in black & white and therefore unable to unveil the beauty of most stereoscopes often due to the different kinds of wood used. No matter the latter drawback, to my knowledge this book is the most complete refererence source until today. It also reproduce a lot of stereoscope patents. A treasure for every real stereo enthusiast.

Other types of photo viewing apparatus are interesting too. Here we see two versions of the Graphoscope, one with a concave mirror, the other with a bi-convex lens. The latter is often found in combination with a stereoscope as we will see further on this page. The lens graphoscope on the right displays a postcard of the famous Sarah Bernhardt. To see other cabaret women click on the postcard of Sarah.

The subsequent images are shown in an effort to give an idea of the variety of stereoscope designs, although I'm unable to achieve this goal
For this page I own thanks to Matthew Isenburg who allowed me use of important items from his vintage photo collection