Tempo d'Ercole e Teatro Tragico 19th-20th century

Giorgio Sommer made this albumen print, "Tempo d'Ercole e Teatro Tragico," sometime in the mid-19th century. Sommer, a German photographer working in Italy, captured this view of the Temple of Hercules and the tragic theater in Pompeii, a site frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Sommer's photograph invites us to consider the layers of history and identity that converge in this ancient space. In the 19th century, Pompeii was a popular destination for European travelers, who sought to connect with the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Sommer's photograph catered to this fascination, offering a glimpse into a world of emperors, gladiators, and gods. Yet, this image also hints at the darker side of classical antiquity. The tragic theater, where dramas of love, loss, and revenge unfolded, reminds us of the human cost of empire. And the Temple of Hercules, dedicated to a mythical hero known for his strength and virility, speaks to the power dynamics that shaped Roman society. As we gaze upon these ruins, we must ask ourselves: whose stories are being told, and whose are being silenced?