Gezicht op Riva degli Schiavoni te Venetië 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer made this albumen print of the Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice sometime in the second half of the 19th century. Sommer's composition invites us to consider the transformation of Venice through the lens of early photography. The scene, devoid of the bustling crowds one might expect, presents a strangely depopulated view of a city known for its vibrant public life. This absence speaks to the changing social and economic conditions of Venice during this period, as the city navigated the currents of modernization and tourism. The photograph also prompts reflection on the role of the institution, in this case photography, in shaping perceptions and cultural memory. Sommer's choice of perspective, emphasizing architectural landmarks while minimizing human presence, constructs a particular narrative of Venice, one that perhaps privileges the grandeur of its past over the realities of its present. To truly understand this image, scholars might turn to archives, social histories, and accounts of early photographic practices. In doing so, we can understand the complex interplay between art, society, and historical context.