Huizen in Herculaneum 1860 - 1889

Roberto Rive made this photograph, "Huizen in Herculaneum", at an unknown date, capturing the excavated ruins of a Roman town destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Considered one of the first mass disasters, the ruins of Herculaneum, like Pompeii, offer a glimpse into a specific moment in time. Through Rive’s lens, we are invited to reflect on the lives of those who once inhabited these spaces, preserved under layers of ash. But, photography in the 19th century wasn’t simply about documentation; it was often employed to reinforce colonial narratives and romanticize ancient civilizations. The act of excavation and photography became intertwined with the politics of the time, raising questions about who has the authority to represent history and whose stories are prioritized. As we gaze upon these ruins, let's consider the complexities of history, memory, and representation inherent in this image.