Sorrento, ravine and bridge (10th of April 1875) 1875

Roberto Rive created this albumen print of Sorrento, Italy on April 10th, 1875. It captures a picturesque view of the town, emphasizing its dramatic landscape. The image highlights the ravine and bridge as integrated into the everyday life of the local population. Rive's work reflects the rise of tourism in Italy during the late 19th century. Photography played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of places like Sorrento, transforming them into desirable destinations. This period saw an influx of tourists seeking out the beauty depicted in these images. Commercial photography studios, like Rive's, flourished by catering to this demand. They produced idealized views and contributed to the construction of Italy as a site of cultural heritage. Studying census records, travel journals, and tourist guides from the period can provide more context. These sources reveal how images like this one were instrumental in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the time.