Kathedraal van Amalfi 1864 - 1881

This photograph of the Cathedral of Amalfi was created by Giacomo Brogi, an Italian photographer, in the mid-19th century. It captures the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, a site layered with centuries of history and cultural exchange. Brogi was part of a generation of photographers who documented Italy during a period of significant social and political transformation, as the country was in the process of unification. His photographs played a role in shaping national identity and promoting tourism. The image presents a specific perspective, one that is carefully composed to highlight the grandeur of the architecture. Positioned in the town square, the viewer is faced with a monumental staircase leading up to the cathedral, creating a sense of awe and reverence. Yet, it is important to consider the social and economic structures that made such a grand building possible. The cathedral stands as a testament to the power of the church and the wealth of the Amalfi merchant class, built on a history of maritime trade and perhaps the exploitation of labor. Brogi's photograph is a carefully constructed representation, one that invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between power, identity, and representation.