Pad in Taormina, aan weerszijden begroeid met cactussen, Italië 1851 - 1900

Giovanni Crupi made this photograph of a path in Taormina, Italy, at the turn of the 20th century. At this time, photography was becoming increasingly popular among tourists as a way of documenting their travels. The image presents a picturesque view of a path lined with cacti, leading towards a castle on a hill. Crupi was working during a period when Italy sought to present itself as a destination for wealthy Europeans and Americans. The image romanticizes the Italian landscape, appealing to the aesthetic preferences of the time. As an art historian, understanding the social and economic conditions in Italy at the time helps to contextualize the work. Research into tourism, photography, and Italian social history will help us understand the picture better. Ultimately, the meaning of Crupi's photograph is contingent on its social and institutional context.