Roeiboot op de rivier Anapo nabij Syracuse, Sicilië 1857 - 1914

This photograph, taken by Giorgio Sommer, captures a rowing boat on the Anapo River near Syracuse, Sicily. Sommer, a German photographer based in Italy, produced images largely for the tourist market. Here, the scene presents an idyllic view of the Sicilian landscape, focusing on the lush vegetation and the serene river. The choice of subject matter aligns with the 19th-century fascination with picturesque landscapes, catering to the desires of travelers seeking romantic and exotic locales. Sommer's business model was entwined with the rise of tourism and the culture of collecting views of distant lands. The image is carefully composed to evoke a sense of tranquility. To fully understand this photograph, we need to consider its place within the history of tourism and the commercial art market. Catalogues and photographic inventories would reveal the range of images Sommer produced and the specific audience he targeted. The image, therefore, isn't just a representation of a place, but a carefully constructed commodity intended for a specific market.