Fotoreproductie van (vermoedelijk) een schilderij, voorstellend Italiaanse vrouwen tijdens opgravingswerkzaamheden bij Pompeï c. 1860 - 1890

This is a photographic reproduction, likely made by Giorgio Sommer in the late 19th century, of a painting depicting Italian women working at the Pompeii excavation site. The image offers a glimpse into the social dynamics surrounding archaeological digs in Italy at the time. While the ruins of Pompeii held immense historical value, the labor involved in their unearthing was often carried out by the working class. Here, we see women engaged in the arduous task of removing debris, with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background. The image also offers us insight into the commercialization of Pompeii. Souvenir photographs were extremely popular during this time. This piece romanticizes the work that took place on the excavation site. We can tell by the way the women are posing that this image was constructed for the purpose of selling photographs to tourists. To fully understand this image, it's essential to delve into the historical context of archaeological practices and social hierarchies. By consulting archives and studying the visual culture of the period, we can gain valuable insights into the complex interplay between art, labor, and the construction of cultural heritage.