Untitled (99) c. 1890

Ferdinando Ongania made this photograph, Untitled (99), sometime in the late 19th century. The subdued sepia tones and the panoramic composition give the image a dreamlike quality. The repetition of architectural forms such as the arcades, columns, and towers creates a rhythmic visual structure that both organizes and somewhat flattens the space. The photograph invites an exploration into the semiotics of architectural representation. Ongania's choice to capture Venice in this light is not just a recording of a physical place, but it hints at cultural values related to history, power, and the picturesque. The linear perspective, while present, is softened. This formal element may reflect the era’s changing perceptions of space and representation. As you consider Ongania's work, contemplate how these formal elements might not only capture a scene but engage with the viewer’s perception and understanding of Venice as a cultural and historical entity.