Gezicht op het forum te Pompeï c. 1860 - 1890

Giorgio Sommer made this albumen print of the forum at Pompeii sometime in the late 19th century. This image encapsulates the Victorian era’s fascination with antiquity and the rise of archaeological tourism. The photograph's visual codes—the ruined grandeur of Roman architecture set against the ever-present threat of Mount Vesuvius—evoke a sense of awe and the sublime. Made in Italy, this work reflects the specific cultural moment when the rediscovery of Pompeii became a symbol of both the glory and the fragility of civilization. This was a time of intense interest in classical history, fueled by new archaeological finds and facilitated by advancements in photography that allowed for the mass dissemination of images. The image also touches on the politics of cultural heritage, the social conditions of archaeological exploration, and the rise of museums as institutions. To fully appreciate this artwork, we might research the history of archaeological digs at Pompeii, or the socio-economic factors driving tourism to these sites. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.