N. 244 Palermo Monreale panorama c. 1893 - 1903

Giuseppe Incorpora created this photograph of Palermo and Monreale in the late 19th century. It presents a panoramic view, typical of the era’s fascination with capturing landscapes and cityscapes. Incorpora, working in Sicily, operated within a burgeoning commercial photography scene. This image isn't just a depiction of a place; it’s a product of its time. The choice of vantage point, the framing of the Duomo of Monreale, and the inclusion of natural elements like the pine trees, all work to construct a particular vision of Sicily for potential tourists. To fully understand this photograph, we might consider the social and economic conditions of Sicily during this period. We might investigate Incorpora’s other work, the market for these images, and the ways in which Sicily was being represented and consumed by outsiders. By looking at archival materials, we begin to see how this beautiful image also functions as a historical artifact.