Valle del Bove c. 1892

Editor: Vittorio Sella's "Valle del Bove" presents us with a landscape in monochrome. It feels very imposing, almost desolate. What do you see in this photograph? Curator: The image resonates with the weight of time, doesn’t it? Consider the valley itself, the "Valle del Bove"—the Valley of the Ox. Oxen are symbolically linked with strength, endurance, but also sacrifice. Does the starkness of the image evoke any feelings about the land itself? Editor: Now that you mention it, there's a sense of resilience, despite the starkness. Like a place that has endured. Curator: Precisely. The valley floor, scarred by what appears to be volcanic flows, speaks of transformation, destruction, and rebirth. Editor: It’s like a visual metaphor. I see it now. Curator: The image holds a powerful story about the cyclical nature of existence. Editor: I hadn't considered the cultural weight of the imagery before. Thanks!