Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Brescia c. 1870 - 1885

Giacomo Rossetti captured the Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Brescia with an early photographic process during a time of significant shifts in Italian history. Rossetti was active in a period when photography served not only as documentation, but also as a tool for constructing collective memory and national identity. This image of the Santa Maria dei Miracoli, with its intricate facade, brings the viewer face-to-face with the ornate details that define the church. Religious spaces have historically been locations for the construction of identity, as they reflect societal values, power structures, and the cultural narratives of the time. Rossetti’s choice to photograph this site invites us to consider how architecture and photography intertwine to shape our understanding of faith and community. Consider the stories embedded in this image – of the stonemasons who physically built the church, of the worshippers who sought solace within its walls, and of the photographer attempting to capture its essence. This photograph opens a window into understanding the cultural and societal values in 19th century Italy.