Gezicht op Piazza del Campidoglio met het Palazzo Senatorio in Rome c. 1860 - 1880

Giorgio Sommer produced this stereo card photograph of the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, sometime in the late 19th century. The photograph presents a symmetrical composition, anchored by the Palazzo Senatorio. Sommer uses the stereoscopic format to simulate depth, constructing a visual space that invites the viewer into the Roman piazza. The texture of the stone is palpable. The composition is carefully arranged, with the building, statues and stairs creating a rhythmic interplay of horizontal and vertical lines. The slightly faded sepia tones give the scene a classical feel, resonating with the historical grandeur of Rome. This photograph prompts us to reflect on the power of photography to not only capture but also interpret and frame our experience of historical space. The symmetry and architectural details reflect a desire to impose order and structure upon the world, echoing larger cultural and philosophical concerns related to representation and perception.