Anfiteatro 19th-20th century

This photograph of the Anfiteatro in Pompeii was taken by Giorgio Sommer in the late 19th century, using a process called albumen silver printing. This technique, popular at the time, involved coating paper with albumen, from egg whites, creating a smooth surface for the photographic chemicals. The sepia tones and soft focus are characteristic of this method, giving the image a timeless quality that belies its industrial origins. Photography in the 19th century was a chemical process as much as a visual one, demanding careful labor in the preparation and development of each print. Sommer, as a commercial photographer, operated within a burgeoning tourist industry. His work, like many others, helped to shape the perception of historical sites, turning ancient ruins into picturesque souvenirs. The photo itself becomes a commodity, mass-produced and distributed, capturing both the image and the historical context of Pompeii. So, when we look at this image, consider both the artistry and the industry behind its creation.