Koninklijke en pauselijke basiliek Franciscus van Paola te Napels, Italië 1864 - 1881

This photograph captures the Royal and Papal Basilica of Saint Francis of Paola in Naples, Italy, through the lens of Giacomo Brogi during a period of significant transformation for the country. Brogi, an Italian photographer, documented cityscapes and monuments as Italy was undergoing national unification, a movement marked by both progress and social upheaval. The Basilica, with its imposing dome and neoclassical columns, stands as a symbol of power, reflecting both religious authority and the monarchy. As you observe the lone figures in the foreground, consider the vastness of the square and the implied hierarchy of space, which affects who has access and who is excluded. The Basilica and its surrounding architecture is a grand display of wealth and authority that may feel distant from the daily lives of the working class. Brogi's photograph freezes a moment in time, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between power, religion, and the everyday lives of people living in a changing Italy.