View of the remains of Pompeii with the Strait of Mercury in the middle 1860

This 1860 photograph by Roberto Rive, titled "View of the remains of Pompeii with the Strait of Mercury in the middle," captures the haunting beauty of the ancient Roman city, Pompeii, after its destruction by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The image, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, provides a glimpse into the ruins of Pompeii, showcasing the city's once-thriving streets and buildings now reduced to remnants. The photograph's stark black and white tones create a sense of historical melancholy, reminding viewers of the fragility of civilization and the enduring power of nature.