Gezicht op Napels, met de Vesuvius op de achtergrond, Italië 1857 - 1914

This photograph of Naples with Vesuvius in the background was created by Giorgio Sommer, though the exact date is unknown. What stories does this image tell, and how can we understand them through the culture of its time? Sommer was a German photographer who established a studio in Naples in 1866, catering to the booming tourist trade. The city of Naples, then part of the Kingdom of Italy, became a popular destination for wealthy Europeans seeking historical and cultural experiences. Sommer, like many photographers of the time, capitalized on this trend by producing scenic views and ethnographic studies. This photograph presents a sweeping view of Naples, meticulously composed to showcase the city's architecture, bustling port, and the ever-present Mount Vesuvius. As historians, we can use archival records, travelogues, and sociological studies to understand the social and economic context of this image. By examining these resources, we can learn more about Naples' role as a tourist destination and Sommer's place in the history of photography.