Exterieur van het Baptisterium te Florence before 1888

This is a photograph of the Baptistery of Florence by Edizione Brogi. This image invites us to consider the intersection of art, religion, and civic identity in late nineteenth century Italy. During this period, Florence sought to solidify its cultural status after it ceased to be Italy’s capital. Photography played a crucial role in how cities were marketed as sites of heritage, shaping both national and international perceptions. The Baptistery, a symbol of Florentine religious and communal life, embodies a rich history of baptisms, including many of the city’s prominent citizens. The choice to capture the Baptistery serves not only to document its architectural grandeur but also to evoke a sense of historical continuity and cultural pride. In doing so, it prompts us to reflect on how architectural spaces shape communal identity, connecting past and present.