The islands of Nisida, Ischia, Procida and Baja Napoli No. 98 1880

Roberto Rive made this photograph of the islands of Nisida, Ischia, Procida and Baja near Naples, Italy, in the mid-19th century. In the 19th century, the cultural elites of Europe considered Italy to be the cradle of Western civilization, and Naples, in particular, was celebrated for its beauty. This image, with its romantic vista, picturesque ruins, and two figures quietly enjoying the view, embodies that sensibility. Rive was part of a robust commercial market that catered to wealthy tourists eager to possess images of the places they visited. Though seemingly objective, photographs like this helped to construct and reinforce notions of national identity and cultural heritage, which served the political interests of the Italian state and its elites. They were also displayed in museums and galleries, institutions that further legitimized specific narratives about Italian history and culture. As historians, we examine photographs like this by considering their production, distribution, and reception, including what archives and other institutions may be invested in promoting such images.