Gezicht op de Fontana del Genio in Villa Giulia te Palermo, Italië 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer captured this image of the Fontana del Genio in Villa Giulia, Palermo, Italy, sometime in the late 19th century. Sommer, a German photographer working in Italy, documented the country during a period of significant social and political upheaval, the Risorgimento, which would ultimately lead to the unification of Italy. This photograph offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of Palermo during that time. The fountain, dedicated to the Genius of Palermo, embodies the city’s complex identity. As a symbol, the Genius represents not only civic pride, but also speaks to the layers of cultural influence that have shaped Palermo over centuries, including Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman. Notice how the composition emphasizes the fountain's ornate details, inviting viewers to reflect on Palermo’s historical narrative. Sommer’s work reminds us to consider the relationship between civic identity and the historical forces that mold it.