Gezicht op Foro Italica te Palermo, met op de achtergrond de Monte Pellegrino 1857 - 1914

This photograph capturing the Foro Italico in Palermo, with Monte Pellegrino in the background, was taken by Giorgio Sommer. Sommer, a German photographer active in Italy, captured landscapes and cityscapes during a period of significant social and political change. His work provides insight into the construction and representation of Italian identity. He operated during the Risorgimento, a time of cultural transformation and national unification. This involved complex negotiations of regional and national identities, as well as grappling with the legacy of colonialism. The image, beyond its aesthetic qualities, evokes a sense of place and history. The Foro Italico, with its grandiose architecture, embodies the aspirations of a unified Italy. Yet, this very project had impacts on local populations, their traditions, and sense of belonging. Sommer’s photograph encourages us to think about the complexities of identity formation and the narratives that shape our understanding of place.