1283 Impronte umane Pompei c. 1888 - 1903

Giorgio Sommer made this photograph, '1283 Impronte umane Pompei,' in the late 19th century using a process that transforms light and chemistry into a lasting image. Sommer captured one of the plaster casts taken at Pompeii, a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The process of making these casts involved carefully pouring plaster into the voids left by human bodies buried in volcanic ash, thereby revealing the final moments of its inhabitants. This was a labor-intensive endeavor, a blend of archaeological technique and artistic interpretation. The photograph translates the weight and texture of the plaster cast into shades of gray, emphasizing the form of the body, a stark reminder of human vulnerability. By documenting these casts, Sommer offered a glimpse into the past. The photograph reminds us that even in the face of disaster, there's a profound connection between material, making, and the human experience. It challenges us to consider how we represent history and the labor involved in bringing the past to light.