Gezicht op Genua vanaf het Castelletto 1898

This albumen print shows a panoramic view of Genoa, Italy, likely made in the late 19th century by the Fratelli Alinari. The image captures the city's dense urban fabric, dominated by closely packed buildings and crowned by the prominent dome and tower of a church. Genoa's identity has always been tied to its port; here, the harbor bustles with sailing ships, reflecting the city's maritime power and economic activity. From its vantage point atop the Castelletto, this picture presents a view of social order and progress. Photography in this period was gaining traction as both a commercial and artistic venture. Alinari Brothers were pioneers in the field, establishing a firm that documented Italian art, architecture, and cityscapes. Their archive today stands as a valuable record of Italy's cultural patrimony. Historical interpretation reveals how photography helped to shape perceptions of urban space and national identity. Images like this provided viewers with a sense of place, celebrating cities like Genoa as centers of trade, culture, and history.