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

Editor: This gelatin-silver print captures the human casts from Pompeii, taken by Giorgio Sommer around 1870. The starkness of the figures against the dark cloth creates a really haunting mood. What do you see in this piece from a formalist perspective? Curator: I am immediately struck by the contrasting textures within this gelatin-silver print. Notice the smooth, almost melancholic smoothness of the backdrop which amplifies the roughness and fossilization of the bodies themselves. Editor: I do. The textures and stark tonality definitely emphasize the contrast between life and death. The lighting also contributes; the upper body is in light, casting shadow. Does this photograph follow the composition and visual principles of Realism? Curator: Indeed, the stark realism achieved through Sommer’s sharp focus serves as a formal acknowledgment of the historical narrative it depicts. Note also how the photographer’s choices—framing, tonal range, sharp focus—contribute to the viewer's understanding. One is prompted to explore the intricate formal relationships within the composition, moving past the image's function as documentation to engage with its inherent aesthetic qualities. Editor: So it's the interplay between form and content, the artist using realism through textures and lighting? Curator: Precisely. The success of this piece lies not just in what it represents but how the chosen mode and degree of representation amplifies it. The artistic manipulation of elements produces a lasting impact. Editor: I never thought about photography having aesthetic and not just historical and scientific value. I see a whole different image now.