Amalfi_ Grand Hotel, Formerly the Convento dei Cappuccini c. 1880 - 1890

This albumen print captures the Grand Hotel in Amalfi, formerly a Capuchin convent and was created by Giorgio Sommer. The image encapsulates a moment in the nineteenth century when religious spaces were being repurposed for leisure, reflecting a shift in societal values. Notice the monk seated on the wall; his presence evokes a sense of the building's past, a life dedicated to contemplation. The picture invites us to reflect on the historical forces that transformed sacred spaces into secular ones, catering to the burgeoning tourism industry. The stunning view from the hotel, now accessible to travelers, contrasts with the cloistered existence previously led by the monks. Sommer invites you to consider the convergence of history, spirituality, and the commodification of beauty.