Torre Della Palata 1897

Giuseppe Barberis's *Torre Della Palata*, made around the turn of the 20th century, is dominated by the stark verticality of the tower, immediately drawing the eye upward. The monochromatic rendering focuses our attention on form and structure: the rough texture of the stone, the geometric precision of the clock face, and the crenellated crown. The tower, a symbol of civic order, stands as a rigid marker of time, juxtaposed against the softer, more organic forms of the surrounding architecture. Barberis employs line and perspective to create depth, pulling us into the narrow street and towards the horizon. Yet, the tower remains the central, unwavering element. The graphic quality and stark lines of the print emphasize the inherent tensions between nature and culture. Ultimately, the image leaves us pondering the symbolic weight of architectural forms and the dialogue between time, space, and the observer.