Aardewerk potten in Pompeï c. 1860 - 1900

Giorgio Sommer created this albumen print, Aardewerk potten in Pompeï, sometime in the late 19th century. It shows a collection of earthenware pots amidst the ruins of Pompeii. Consider the context. Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, became a site of intense archaeological interest in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of photography. Sommer, capitalizing on this fascination, captured these utilitarian objects, likely used for storage of grains or liquids. Look closely at the clay: each pot would have been hand-formed, fired in a kiln, and traded or sold. The sheer number and size of the pots speak to the scale of agricultural production, distribution, and consumption in ancient Rome. Sommer's work blurs the line between documentation and artistry, elevating these everyday objects to subjects worthy of contemplation. The value of this image lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but also in its ability to connect us to the labor, trade, and daily lives of the people who once walked the streets of Pompeii.