Gezicht op de Tempio della Fortuna Augusta te Pompeï, Italië 1870 - 1890

Giorgio Sommer captured this photograph of the Tempio della Fortuna Augusta in Pompeii. The temple, dedicated to the Roman goddess of fortune, stands as a stoic ruin, its stones echoing the past. The image is dominated by classical architectural elements: the temple's columns and steps. The temple, in its ruined state, evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection. The goddess Fortuna, or ‘fate’, was known to be an important figure in Roman society, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of life. A similar temple dedicated to Fortuna Virilis stands in Rome, dating back to the same era. The temple's form has shifted over time, yet the goddess Fortuna is an enduring symbol of the capriciousness of fate that continues to resonate. This photograph calls us to remember Fortuna’s role in human affairs, reminding us that while civilizations rise and fall, certain symbols and their underlying meanings persist, subtly influencing our collective consciousness.