Gezicht op Florence vanaf het Piazzale Michelangelo 1889 - 1893

This is a photograph of Florence by Johanna Margaretha Piek, its date unknown. The photograph is striking for its octagonal shape, a rigid form containing a softened, almost dreamlike image of the city. The photograph’s sepia tones give it a timeless quality, while the composition is dominated by the flowing Arno River in the foreground, which is a dynamic contrast to the static cityscape beyond. The dome of the Duomo and the tower punctuate the horizon, acting as visual anchors that draw the eye. Piek’s choice to frame the panoramic view within such a geometric shape invites us to consider how the rigidity of form can alter our perception of space. It prompts questions about how we frame and understand historical landscapes. By playing with the contrast between the organic view and the geometric frame, Piek challenges our understanding of space. The photograph becomes a lens through which we examine the intersection of nature, culture, and representation.