Sculptuur van een personificatie van de Nijl in de Vaticaanse Musea c. 1860 - 1880

This photograph, taken by Giorgio Sommer, presents a stereo image of a sculpture depicting a personification of the Nile River, located in the Vatican Museums. The sculpture’s composition is dominated by a reclining male figure, symbolizing the river god. The artist uses a monochromatic palette to emphasize the texture and form of the sculpture. Sommer captures the statue's intricate details, highlighting the contrast between the smooth, idealized human form and the rough texture of the surrounding elements. The river god is surrounded by smaller figures, likely representing the river's abundance and fertility. These supporting figures add layers to the composition, creating a rich interplay of light and shadow. The choice of this subject matter reflects the 19th-century interest in classical antiquity and the exotic allure of distant lands. The photograph functions not merely as a record but as a cultural artifact, embodying the era's fascination with history, mythology, and the power of representation.