Gezicht op het portaal van de Dom van Napels c. 1860 - 1880

Giorgio Sommer created this stereograph of the portal of the Cathedral of Naples sometime in the mid-19th century. During this time, the rise of photography changed how people understood the world, allowing for wider circulation of images. Sommer, a German photographer based in Italy, captured the grandeur of Italian architecture. This photograph presents the façade of the Duomo, inviting us to consider the power and authority embodied in religious institutions. The architectural details—pointed arches, ornate carvings, and imposing doors—speak to a history deeply intertwined with cultural identity and faith. While the photograph seems straightforward, consider the layers of representation at play. Who had access to such images? How did they shape perceptions of Italian culture and religion? This stereograph serves not only as a historical document, but also as a reminder of how images mediate our understanding of place and power.