Women grinding corn in Sinai
Photograph
1869 (photographed)
1869 (photographed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
A stereograph is a pair of photographic images of the same subject taken from slightly different angles. This gives the illusion of a single three-dimensional image when viewed through a stereoscope designed to hold it.
Ownership & Use
Stereographs were mass produced. Viewing them was a popular amusement carried out in the home from the 1850s until the early 20th century.
Subjects Depicted
Many of the most popular subjects of stereographs were of topographical views or of scenes unfamiliar to the western audience for whom they were generally produced. This group of Islamic women from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is shown grinding corn. Their faces are hidden by veils. The veil turns away the gaze while at the same time attracting it. The secrecy of the veil prompted fascination for what was often seen as the mysterious and exotic world of the East or the 'Orient' to 19th-century western viewers. In contrast, the men in the background confront the camera.
A stereograph is a pair of photographic images of the same subject taken from slightly different angles. This gives the illusion of a single three-dimensional image when viewed through a stereoscope designed to hold it.
Ownership & Use
Stereographs were mass produced. Viewing them was a popular amusement carried out in the home from the 1850s until the early 20th century.
Subjects Depicted
Many of the most popular subjects of stereographs were of topographical views or of scenes unfamiliar to the western audience for whom they were generally produced. This group of Islamic women from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is shown grinding corn. Their faces are hidden by veils. The veil turns away the gaze while at the same time attracting it. The secrecy of the veil prompted fascination for what was often seen as the mysterious and exotic world of the East or the 'Orient' to 19th-century western viewers. In contrast, the men in the background confront the camera.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Women grinding corn in Sinai (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Albumen stereoscopic print |
| Brief description | Stereoscopic photograph depicting 'Woman grinding corn in Sinai', no. 3 in a series of Ordnance Survey of Sinai photographs by Royal Engineers for the War Office Topographical Department. Egypt, 1869. |
| Physical description | Stereoscopic photograph depicting a woman grinding corn in Sinai, alongside two men and a child who stand behind her; no. 3 in a series of Ordnance Survey of Sinai photographs. Mounted on bright yellow card and lettered with group title, individual title and a stamp for the 'Photographical Department, War Office'. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
STEREOSCOPE AND STEREOGRAPHS Various dates, 1854-1901 This stereoscope is typical of those used in Victorian homes for education and amusement. Stereographs (paired photographs taken from slightly different angles) were placed in the holder and then adjusted until the viewer saw the scene in three dimensions.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Ordnance survey of Sinai, 1869.Stereoscope made by Underwood & Underwood, New York, USA; stereographs by unknown photographer. Published by the War Office Topographical Department. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Place depicted | |
| Summary | Object Type A stereograph is a pair of photographic images of the same subject taken from slightly different angles. This gives the illusion of a single three-dimensional image when viewed through a stereoscope designed to hold it. Ownership & Use Stereographs were mass produced. Viewing them was a popular amusement carried out in the home from the 1850s until the early 20th century. Subjects Depicted Many of the most popular subjects of stereographs were of topographical views or of scenes unfamiliar to the western audience for whom they were generally produced. This group of Islamic women from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is shown grinding corn. Their faces are hidden by veils. The veil turns away the gaze while at the same time attracting it. The secrecy of the veil prompted fascination for what was often seen as the mysterious and exotic world of the East or the 'Orient' to 19th-century western viewers. In contrast, the men in the background confront the camera. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.1334-1992 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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