Gezicht op het portaal van de Dom van Verona c. 1860 - 1880

This albumen print, made by Giorgio Sommer in the 19th century, shows the entrance to Verona Cathedral in Italy. Produced in a period when photography was gaining traction as both a commercial and artistic medium, images like this catered to tourists eager to capture and share their travel experiences. Sommer, based in Naples, tapped into this market by documenting landmarks across Italy. The photograph's visual codes reflect the cultural values of the time. The careful composition emphasizes the cathedral's grandeur. Italy's rich history and architectural marvels were sources of national pride. The church played a central role in Italian society, wielding considerable social and political influence. By documenting religious sites, photographers like Sommer reinforced the importance of the church in Italian culture. To truly understand this image, we can consult historical archives, travel logs, and studies of 19th-century photography. Such resources help us understand the social conditions in which the photograph was made and consumed.