Interieur van de kerk van Santa Maria Assunta te Venetië, Italië 1852 - 1893

This photograph of the interior of the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Venice, Italy, was made by Carlo Ponti some time in the second half of the 19th century. Ponti was known for his precisely staged images of Venetian landmarks, made to be sold as souvenirs. Here, the church’s architecture and ornamentation, with their elaborate arches and detailing, speak to Venice’s historic wealth and status as a center of religious power. Notice how the image also captures the church as a place of quiet contemplation. The rows of empty pews suggest the absence of a congregation, and the soft light emphasizes the stillness of the space. But we might also ask ourselves, what is the role of the church in the social life of Venice at this time? Did this photograph offer a subtle commentary on the relationship between faith, tourism, and commerce in a changing world? The social history of 19th century Venice, and the history of photography, can help us understand the ideas at play here.