Straatgezicht in Castelmola, Italië 1851 - 1900

Giovanni Crupi captured this image of a street in Castelmola, Italy with photography sometime between 1859 and 1925. Notice the woman carrying a load on her head; this act speaks volumes about the burdens and resilience of women across cultures. The motif of carrying a load resurfaces in ancient Greek caryatids—sculpted female figures supporting architectural structures. These figures, like our Italian woman, shoulder a weight, transforming it into a symbol of strength and endurance. The image evokes a sense of timeless labor, reminiscent of ancient fertility goddesses bearing offerings, or even Atlas, the Titan condemned to carry the world. This echoes through art history, reminding us of our shared, subconscious understanding of burden and perseverance. The emotional weight of this image lies in the woman’s stoic posture. It speaks to the universal struggle, inviting us to consider the emotional and physical loads we carry, personally and collectively.