Florence, Loggia dei Lanzi c. 1865 - 1890

The Fratelli Alinari studio captured the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence with a camera, immortalizing the architecture and sculptures in a photograph. Consider that Florence, during the Renaissance, was the epicenter of artistic and intellectual revival, yet access to its treasures was far from universally shared. The sculptures, predominantly depicting male figures from mythology and history, embody ideals of power, heroism, and beauty that were often associated with the elite male identity. Take a moment to consider the stories these sculptures tell and whose stories they exclude. Who was allowed to be represented, and who was not? In the 19th century, the Alinari studio played a crucial role in documenting Italian art and architecture, shaping perceptions of national identity and cultural heritage. This photograph not only captures a physical space but also invites us to reflect on the power dynamics embedded in art history, and to consider the untold stories that remain just outside the frame.