Rome_ Spanish Steps c. 1870

Giorgio Sommer produced this photograph of the Spanish Steps in Rome during a time when photography was capturing and shaping perceptions of identity. Sommer, a German photographer working in Italy, catered to the burgeoning tourist industry. His images often romanticized Italian life, reinforcing certain stereotypes for eager visitors. Here, the Spanish Steps aren't just a landmark; they're a stage for the city's inhabitants. Figures are captured in moments of leisure, suggesting a life of ease and beauty. But consider who is absent from this idyllic scene, and what kind of narrative is being constructed by their omission. This image invites us to think about how photography, even in its early days, was never a neutral act. It played a crucial role in shaping cultural narratives and the global imaginary, determining who was seen, how they were seen, and who got to do the seeing.