Westzijde van de kathedraal van Napels before 1886

This black and white photograph shows the west side of Naples Cathedral, but it’s not clear when it was made or by whom. In the image, the Cathedral is neatly centered, its architectural details sharply in focus. What does it mean to capture an image of a cathedral? Religious structures like this one often play a role in shaping social life. The Cathedral has seen many historical events, political movements, and economic shifts that have shaped its meaning for the people of Naples. Religious buildings can become symbols of power and authority. Exploring historical archives, architectural plans, and religious texts might reveal the complex relationship between the Cathedral, the people who worship there, and the broader social and political forces at play in Naples. This image prompts us to consider the cathedral's role as a cultural and social institution.