Fontein van Neptunus te Messina, Italië 1880 - 1900

This photograph captures the Fontein van Neptunus te Messina, Italië, and was created by Ledru Mauro. It’s impossible to ignore the figures positioned in front of the fountain. What can we discern about them? Their clothes and postures suggest a working-class background, positioned in front of a statue of Neptune, a classical God. The fountain itself is a powerful symbol of civic pride and artistry, but who is really benefiting from that? Who gets memorialized? The photo invites contemplation about the power structures inherent in society. It gently asks, “Who is seen, and who is rendered invisible?” The presence of the young people encourages us to think about the narratives and lived experiences, shaped by social class and cultural representation. It's a stark reminder of the stories that often go unheard in grand historical narratives.