Gezicht op Messina, Italië 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer captured this photograph of Messina, Italy, in the 19th century. The city unfolds beneath us, dominated by the natural harbor—a vital emblem of trade and connectivity. Harbors, throughout art history, represent more than just geographic locations; they are symbolic entry points, gateways to the unknown, and sites of cultural exchange. Think of ancient Greek amphorae depicting bustling ports, or Renaissance paintings celebrating maritime power; each resonates with the same spirit of ambition and interaction. Consider the ship, the vehicle that facilitates this exchange, laden with goods and ideas. The ship has always been a poignant symbol, from the mythical Ship of Fools to Turner’s tempestuous seascapes. Its image evokes journeys, challenges, and our eternal quest for new horizons. It’s a recurrent motif, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, reminding us of humanity's intertwined fate.