San Zeno Maggiore met campanile en toren van de voormalige abdij c. 1880 - 1895

This photograph of the San Zeno Maggiore basilica in Verona, with its campanile and the tower of the former abbey, was made by the Fratelli Alinari. The image presents a clear view of the Romanesque architecture. But it also prompts us to consider the relationship between photography and the representation of historical monuments in 19th-century Italy. Think about the rise of photography coinciding with a surge of national pride and interest in preserving Italy's cultural heritage. Institutions like the Alinari Brothers played a crucial role. They documented architectural landmarks, contributing to a collective sense of national identity and historical continuity. It's worth exploring archives, architectural treatises, and travelogues of the period. These provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and institutional context in which this photograph was created. Doing so, we see the photograph not just as a static image but as an active participant in shaping historical narratives and cultural values.