9 Stereoscopic Plates of Spain in Good Condition. 1903–1916. Madrid, Logroño, Cantabria

9 Stereoscopic Plates from Spain in Good Condition. 19031916. Madrid, Logroño, Cantabria

This set of stereoscopic plates consists of nine pieces, all of which are originals and in good condition. The plates are Spanish and were taken in the early 20th century, with the oldest dating from 1903 and the most recent from 1916. Each plate features two views of the same image and is designed for use in a stereoscope. The plates measure 107 x 45 mm; despite the fragility of the glass substrate, they have been preserved intact and can still be viewed with the appropriate viewer. All are numbered, titled, and dated with handwritten labels.

The collection consists of various black-and-white and sepia-toned images. Some depict landscapes and locations throughout Spain; others are more poetic, and there are even two that feature a historical event. These are two scenes from the funeral of the Count of Peñalver, which took place in 1916. This figure, after whom a major street in Madrid is named today, was Nicolás de Peñalver y Zamora, and he was elected mayor of Madrid three times, in 1892, 1895, and 1896. Two of the plates in this collection depict moments from the funeral procession as it made its way through the citys streets.

The other six plaques feature two images of the Madrid Zoo, with the captions ¡Monerías! and Zancudas; the Alcachofa Fountain, located in Retiro Park; the beach in Santander; the San Felices Tunnel (Logroño) as seen from the inside; a washhouse in La Fombrera, also in Logroño; and an evocative image of a bonfire of fallen leaves, labeled CollotoJardín de la Casa Solariega, along with a slightly modified verse from a poem by Espronceda: Fallen leaves from the tree are the fires playthings (are the winds playthings in the original).

These nostalgic stereoscopic plates form a collection full of beauty and interest, both artistic and historical. They are worthy of the finest collection of vintage photography.

Dimensions: Width: 107 mm. Height: 45 mm.