Gezicht op het kapucijnerklooster te Amalfi Possibly 1899

This photograph of the Capuchin monastery in Amalfi was taken by Giorgio Sommer, most likely in the late 19th century, using a process that was then at the cutting edge. Sommer was among many photographers who capitalized on the booming tourism industry. The photographic process itself was laborious. Each print required careful attention to detail, from the preparation of the light-sensitive materials to the final development and fixing of the image. The tones here are rich and subtle, a testament to the photographer’s mastery. The mount upon which the print is adhered also speaks to this history. Consider the cultural context: the rise of mass tourism, the industrialization of photography, and the changing landscape of European society. Sommer’s photograph is a reminder that every image, no matter how seemingly straightforward, is the product of specific materials, processes, and social forces. By recognizing these factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the photograph as both a work of art and a historical document.