Sarcofaag met voorstelling van de jacht van Diana in de Capitolijnse Musea te Rome, Italië 1852 - 1900

This photograph by the Alinari Brothers captures a sarcophagus depicting the hunt of Diana, taken at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. The Alinari Brothers, active in Italy from the mid-19th century, were instrumental in documenting art and architecture, thereby shaping the cultural memory of Italy. The image shows the Roman fascination with Greek mythology. Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, embodies ideals of feminine strength and independence, but here she is also presented as an object of spectacle. Sarcophagi like these were commissioned by wealthy families, reflecting their social status and cultural aspirations. Photography at this time was still developing as a way to create and classify a nation’s cultural history. Photographic documentation played a role in defining and preserving cultural heritage. By studying the archives and institutional practices of the time, we can understand the complex interplay between art, society, and power in shaping our understanding of the past.