Portret van Galeazzo Ciano, echtgenoot Edda Mussolini 1930

This photograph of Galeazzo Ciano, son-in-law to Benito Mussolini, was taken by the Keystone Press Agency. Press agencies played a vital role in shaping public perceptions, particularly in politically charged environments like pre-war Italy. Ciano, dressed in formal attire, is presented as a figure of authority and respect, mirroring the carefully constructed image of the fascist regime. His position as Mussolini’s son-in-law underscores the concentration of power within the family, a key aspect of Italian fascism’s personality-driven politics. The photograph is interesting considering Ciano’s later execution for treason in 1944. Understanding the image requires a look into the visual strategies employed by the fascist regime. Newspapers and photo archives offer valuable insights into the propaganda machinery of the time. The meaning of this photograph is thus contingent on its historical and institutional context.