Amalfi c. 1888 - 1903

Giorgio Sommer’s photograph, Amalfi, captures a panoramic vista with a focus on the geometric precision of architecture against the organic forms of nature. The image, made using a monochrome process, emphasizes tonal contrasts, guiding our eyes across the scene. The town itself cascades down the slope of a cliff with clusters of buildings appearing as stacked cubes that create a dialogue with the rugged terrain. Linear elements, like the arched causeway, draw our eyes toward the bay, where a boat introduces a human element against the vast seascape. The composition is structured to negotiate the relationship between the built environment and the natural world. The interplay between light and shadow accentuates the textures and delineates form, ultimately reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the period such as humanity's place in the natural order. The photograph uses the formal qualities of composition and tone to prompt considerations of space and place in the 19th century.