Sculptuur van Orestes en Elektra before 1879

This photograph of a sculpture depicting Orestes and Elektra was created by Giorgio Sommer in the late 19th century. Sommer, a German photographer based in Italy, capitalized on the Grand Tour phenomenon, where wealthy Europeans traveled through Italy, Greece, and Egypt. This image reflects a 19th-century fascination with classical antiquity. Orestes and Elektra were figures in Greek mythology, and their story is filled with themes of revenge, justice, and familial duty. The sculpture captures a moment of familial connection, yet it’s staged for an audience far removed from the original cultural context. Sommer's photograph caters to the desires of European tourists seeking to connect with the ‘glory’ of the past, often overlooking the complex social and political realities of ancient societies. The emotional depth of the mythological narrative, coupled with the aesthetic appeal of classical forms, provided an engaging subject for tourists eager to take home a piece of history. In this way, Sommer’s work offers a glimpse into the 19th-century appropriation and reimagining of classical culture.