Trapportaal met leeuwenbeelden in de universiteit van Genua c. 1866

Editor: This gelatin silver print, "Trapportaal met leeuwenbeelden in de universiteit van Genua" or "Stairway with Lion Statues in the University of Genoa," captured around 1866 by Alfredo Noack, presents a grand staircase guarded by stone lions. The subdued tones give it a somewhat imposing yet stately presence. As a photograph taken around the 1860's, I am curious to hear your thoughts on its social and cultural relevance. Curator: The photograph speaks volumes about the 19th-century societal values. It was a time of rising national pride and faith in institutions like universities as symbols of progress. Photography, still relatively new, was used to document and legitimize these symbols. What do you notice about the composition itself? Does it remind you of any specific period? Editor: The architecture seems almost Greco-Roman with all the columns. The lions and the formal setting do project a feeling of power and permanence. Is the choice of subject influenced by the role universities played at the time? Curator: Exactly. This academic architecture evokes the classical world, drawing a parallel between ancient wisdom and contemporary knowledge. The photograph presents the University not merely as a school but almost like a temple of enlightenment, influencing public opinion of education. Photography during this period, often commissioned, served specific institutional agendas. Do you see any clues here that this work might have been made under commission? Editor: That makes sense. Perhaps the deliberate angle focusing on the grand staircase. Also, I would guess photographs would take a long time to set up with heavy equipment. How does this time commitment imply intention? Curator: It is hard to hide behind an agenda while making an image. Even something seemingly harmless has cultural implications because this photography made statements about identity and aspiration for both city and citizen. Editor: Fascinating, viewing it in that context really changes my perspective on the image. I initially saw it as just a nice depiction of a place. Curator: Seeing these works and learning these new aspects about institutional commissions of artwork leads me to consider other art pieces, thinking through the messages they deliver. Editor: Me too, it has taught me that a place can be far more complex and interesting. I will start reading art through that new, societal, lens.