Piazza S. Ferdinando bij de galerie Umberto I en het San Carlo-theater in Napels c. 1880 - 1920

This is an albumen print of Piazza S. Ferdinando in Naples, capturing the Galleria Umberto I and the San Carlo Theatre. The photograph’s sepia tones give a sense of a bygone era. Note the composition: the photographer has framed the scene to emphasize the architectural grandeur of the piazza. The photograph highlights the geometry and symmetry in the building's design, creating a sense of order and stability. The repetitive windows, arches, and columns serve as visual signifiers of classical ideals and the era's aspirations for rationality. The linear perspective creates depth and guides the viewer's eye through the piazza, which is populated with figures and horse-drawn carriages. This image also intersects with broader theoretical ideas about representation and reality. Photography challenges traditional artistic hierarchies and notions of originality by capturing a moment in time with mechanical precision. Consider how the photograph’s form reflects its historical context, capturing the socio-political environment of Naples at this moment in time.