Gezicht op de Dom in Milaan 1850

Pompeo Pozzi captured this photograph of the Duomo in Milan sometime around the mid-19th century. Milan, during Pozzi's time, was a city undergoing rapid transformation, caught between its rich history and the winds of modernity. Through Pozzi’s lens, we encounter not just a building, but an embodiment of cultural identity and civic pride. Construction of the Duomo began in the 14th century, and continued across centuries, so it represents a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles and symbolizes Milan's evolving identity. In Pozzi's time, the Duomo would have been a potent symbol for discussions about Milanese identity and its place in a changing world. The Duomo looms large over the city, a reminder of enduring values amidst change. This photograph invites us to reflect on the interplay between architecture, identity, and history, and its personal and collective meanings.