Gezicht op het Forum te Pompeï 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer created this photograph of the Forum at Pompeii in the late 19th century. The image depicts the ruins of the ancient Roman city, with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background. In the 19th century, the ruins of Pompeii became a popular destination for European travelers on the Grand Tour, who sought to experience the art and culture of the ancient world. Sommer, like many other photographers, catered to this market by producing images of the site that could be purchased as souvenirs. However, this image has a wider significance in terms of institutional history: the archaeological discoveries made at Pompeii had a profound impact on the study of classical antiquity. This image creates meaning through its visual codes, such as the use of perspective to create a sense of depth and scale. The composition of the photograph is also significant, as it emphasizes the grandeur and permanence of the Roman Empire. To fully understand the image, we need to see the complex social and institutional factors that shaped its production and reception. Art historians draw on various sources, from travelogues to archaeological reports, to build up this picture.