Gezicht op de Arno vanaf het Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence 1889 - 1893

This photograph of the Arno River, seen from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, was captured by Johanna Margaretha Piek. The muted tones and distanced perspective evoke a sense of nineteenth-century nostalgia. The Arno river is central to this composition, both as a source of life and as a boundary, physically separating one area from another. The photograph emphasizes the industrial buildings on the riverbanks, signaling a time of economic change. Florence had a very specific institutional history, in that art was often created for, and displayed in public places. It was used to project political power, commemorate historical events, and promote civic values. Art academies played a critical role, dictating what was considered to be ‘good’ art. Understanding the socio-political and economic context of Florence at the time this photograph was taken allows us to appreciate the significance of the image and the social role of art. Resources such as city archives, historical societies, and academic publications help us better understand the complex relationship between art and society.