Untitled (32) c. 1890

Ferdinando Ongania captured this photographic print of Venice's Basilica di San Marco. Ongania’s work invites us to consider the role of photography in shaping perceptions of Venice during a period of significant social and cultural change. The late 19th century saw Venice grappling with its identity. As it transitioned from a powerful maritime republic to a part of a unified Italy, the city faced economic challenges and questions about its cultural relevance. Photography, with its ability to capture and disseminate images widely, played a crucial role in constructing a romanticized vision of Venice as a timeless, picturesque destination. Ongania's photograph, with its focus on the grandeur of the Basilica, reinforces this romantic narrative. Yet, it also hints at the complexities of Venetian society. The figures in the foreground, likely tourists, remind us of the growing influx of outsiders drawn to Venice's allure. Ongania’s photograph then, exists at the intersection of cultural preservation, and the changing face of Venetian identity in a globalizing world.