Impronte Umane, Pompei (Human Casts, Pompeii) c. 1870

Giorgio Sommer's "Impronte Umane, Pompei (Human Casts, Pompeii)" (c. 1870) is a poignant photograph capturing the plaster casts of two victims of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The image, likely taken in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, serves as a powerful reminder of the tragedy and the fragility of life. Sommer, a renowned photographer of the era, used the medium to document the historical site and its poignant remnants. The photograph's stark realism and dramatic composition contribute to its lasting impact, making it a significant example of 19th-century photography and historical documentation.