Interieur van de Villa Borghese c. 1880 - 1895

This photograph, taken by the Fratelli Alinari, captures the interior of the Villa Borghese, an emblem of aristocratic Roman culture. The Villa Borghese was a stage for the elite, and photographs like this one helped to disseminate its image. Think about who had access to such spaces, and who was excluded. These images often reinforced a narrative of power and privilege that shaped social perceptions of class and status. Note the arrangement of sculptures and the elaborate decoration of the walls. These visual elements were carefully curated to communicate wealth and cultural sophistication, reinforcing the Borghese family’s status and legacy. The photograph itself functions as a tool to present and preserve an idealized version of this aristocratic world. Consider the ways in which photography can both reveal and conceal the complexities of social identity and historical narratives. How does an image like this contribute to our understanding of class, power, and representation?