Gezicht op de restanten van Pompeï met op de voorgrond een afgietsel van een slachtoffer van de vulkaanuitbarsting c. 1860 - 1900

This photograph, taken by renowned photographer Giorgio Sommer between 1860 and 1900, captures the haunting remnants of Pompeii, a Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The image features a plaster cast of a victim, a stark reminder of the tragedy, against a backdrop of the city's ruins, showcasing the enduring power of both destruction and human resilience. The juxtaposition of the natural world and the impact of nature's fury creates a striking visual commentary on the fragility of human existence. This photograph, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a poignant glimpse into the past, serving as a powerful testament to the history and archaeology of Pompeii.