Restanten van het huis van Marco Olconio te Pompeï 1863 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer made this albumen print of the remnants of the House of Marco Olconio in Pompeii. The photograph, dominated by a monochrome palette, captures the skeletal remains of classical architecture. Note how the vertical thrust of the fragmented columns creates a stark contrast with the horizontal plane of the ruined foundation. The artist’s focus on linear form, from the fluted columns to the sharp edges of the collapsed structures, presents a study in geometric decay. This ruin, once a center of life, now serves as a sign – a visual signifier of time's relentless march. Consider how Sommer employs light and shadow to accentuate the textures of the aged stone, inviting a contemplation on the ephemerality of human endeavor. This interplay of architectural form and the passage of time challenges our notions of permanence and historical continuity.