Fotoreproductie van een tekening van de Cappella Sansevero te Napels, Italië 1863 - 1914

This photograph of the Cappella Sansevero in Naples, Italy, was captured by Giorgio Sommer in the late 19th century. Sommer, like many photographers of his time, used albumen prints, a process involving coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, to create a highly detailed image. Look closely, and you'll notice the soft, sepia tones and remarkable clarity, especially considering the limitations of early photography. The making of this image also involved a social dimension. Sommer wasn't just an artist; he was an entrepreneur, catering to the burgeoning tourist industry. Capturing iconic landmarks like the Cappella Sansevero allowed people to take home a piece of their travels, turning culture into a commodity. This commercial aspect highlights the intersection of art, industry, and the changing landscape of 19th-century Europe. Ultimately, Sommer’s photograph invites us to consider not only the image itself, but also the labor, materials, and social context that made it possible. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and understand the broader forces at play in its creation.