Gezicht op de poort, fortificaties en kanonnen bij La Laterna in Genua c. 1860 - 1880

Adolphe Godard captured this stereoscopic image of the gate, fortifications, and cannons at La Laterna in Genoa using the wet collodion process, a popular photographic technique of the time. Without further information, dating this photograph is challenging, yet understanding the history of Genoa provides context. Genoa, as a major port city, held strategic importance, leading to the construction of robust fortifications like those seen here. These defenses, while intended to protect, also reveal a history of conflict and power struggles. The cannons positioned at the gate act as a reminder of the ever-present threat of invasion or siege. Godard’s photograph reflects a society shaped by the necessity of defense, its identity intertwined with its military architecture. This image invites us to reflect on how cities, through their structures, embody both the desire for security and the reality of potential violence, shaping the collective memory of their inhabitants.