Sculptuur van Victoria in het Museo Nazionale te Napels 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer created this photograph of a sculpture of Victoria in Naples, Italy. The image connects to the cultural fascination with classical antiquity during the 19th century when archeological discoveries fueled popular interest in ancient Roman and Greek art. Sommer, who was based in Naples, capitalized on this trend, documenting sculptures that served as symbols of power and cultural heritage. The image creates meaning through its composition, emphasizing the idealized form of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Photography during this period played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about art and culture. Museums and photographic studios preserved and presented objects to the public, shaping cultural memory and national identity. Sommer's photographs catered to tourists and scholars alike, contributing to the construction of a shared European cultural heritage. Understanding this image requires us to consider the role of photography in shaping perceptions of art. By researching photography collections, museum archives, and travel accounts, we gain insights into the visual culture of 19th-century Europe. Art is contingent on social and institutional contexts, and understanding these helps us better understand the art itself.