Gezicht op Napels met daarachter de baai en de Vesuvius, gezien vanaf de Corso Vittorio Emanuele 1861 - 1878

This is Ernest Eléonor Pierre Lamy’s stereoscopic photograph, “View of Naples with the bay and Vesuvius in the background, seen from the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.” Lamy offers us a view of Naples, a city then experiencing rapid transformation under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. This image is more than just a pretty picture; it's a window into a society undergoing significant change. The late 19th century was a time of social upheaval in Italy, with movements advocating for unification and modernization challenging the old order. This photograph captures a moment in that transformation. Think about the labor and lives that built the city. Reflected in the image is the social stratification inherent in urban development, the disparities in living conditions, and the environmental impact of urban sprawl. It asks us to consider the complex relationship between progress and inequality.