1182 Napoli via Roma c. 1893 - 1903

Giorgio Sommer's photograph, "1182 Napoli via Roma," captures a bustling street scene in Naples. Although the exact date is unknown, we can place this image in a historical context, most likely in the late 19th century, when Italy was undergoing significant social and urban transformation. Sommer, a German photographer working in Italy, presents us with a tableau of urban life that invites us to consider the representation of class and identity in Neapolitan society. The composition is filled with figures from different walks of life, each contributing to the sense of movement and activity. The architecture serves as a backdrop to the human drama unfolding in the foreground. The image speaks to the complex interplay between individual lives and the urban environment, inviting us to reflect on the diverse experiences that shape a city's identity.