Restanten van de Via Stabiani te Pompeï 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer made this albumen print of the remains of the Via Stabiani in Pompeii sometime in the mid-19th century. In this period, photography was increasingly used for documentation, including archaeological sites. Pompeii, rediscovered in the 18th century, became a popular subject. Sommer, who was based in Naples, captured the street's ruined state, its buildings frozen in time by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The image presents a stark view of a once-thriving Roman city, prompting reflection on the transience of civilization. It invites us to consider the social structures of Pompeii, offering insights into daily life, architecture, and urban planning of the ancient world. By studying such photographs alongside historical texts and archaeological reports, we gain a richer understanding of the past. The interpretation of art relies on the social and institutional context.