Begrafenisstoet van monniken met puntmutsen bij ingang van een kerk in Italië c. 1868

Giorgio Sommer captured this photograph, "Begrafenisstoet van monniken met puntmutsen bij ingang van een kerk in Italië," using a technique that yields a range of monochromatic tones, heightening the solemnity of the scene. The composition is divided into distinct zones, each contributing to the overall impact. In the foreground, we see the granular texture of the street, which contrasts with the smooth, pale robes of the monks in their pointed hats. These figures lead our eye to the elaborate, dark coffin, which is central, while the church entrance forms a stark backdrop. Sommer uses this contrast to create a visual hierarchy, echoing semiotic contrasts that reflect the strict social structures of the time. The symmetry of the architectural elements and the procession subtly challenge the viewer, suggesting a breakdown of established orders. The photograph operates as a complex sign, referencing not just a funeral, but also broader cultural and philosophical concerns about power, representation, and meaning.