Campedoglio 1848 - 1852

Eugène Constant created this photograph of the Campidoglio in Rome sometime in the mid-19th century. The image presents a formal view of the piazza, designed by Michelangelo, with its imposing buildings and grand staircase. Photography in this period played an important role in documenting and disseminating images of historical sites. As Italy went through a period of nation building, photographs of important landmarks became powerful symbols of national identity and cultural heritage. Constant's photograph, with its emphasis on architectural grandeur and classical allusions, participates in constructing a narrative of Italian greatness. Photographs such as this served as sources of visual information but also played a role in shaping perceptions of the past. By studying photographs, architectural plans, and guidebooks from the period, we can gain insight into the cultural values and historical narratives that informed the construction of Italian identity in the 19th century.