Zuilengalerij van de kathedraal van Monreale, Sicilië 1870 - 1890

This albumen print by Giorgio Sommer captures the cloisters of Monreale Cathedral in Sicily. Likely taken in the late 19th century, this image invites us to consider the role of photography in documenting and interpreting cultural heritage. Sommer, a German photographer based in Naples, Italy, capitalized on the growing tourism industry, producing images of famous sites like this one. The Cathedral, a blend of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architectural styles, speaks to Sicily's complex history as a crossroads of cultures. Sommer's photograph frames the Cathedral not just as a religious site, but as a cultural artifact, shaped by the artistic and political influences of its time. The image's composition, with its emphasis on the geometric patterns of the arches and columns, highlights the visual codes and historical associations that make the Cathedral such a compelling site. Studying archival materials such as travel guides and architectural surveys could further illuminate our understanding of its cultural significance.