Antique Giorgio Sommer Naples Photo Museo Discobolo Bronze Statue Grand Tour

Antique Giorgio Sommer Naples Photo Museo Discobolo Bronze Statue Grand Tour


An interesting antique photographic print by Giorgio Sommer of Naples, depicting the celebrated Discobolo (Discus Thrower) sculpture in the Museo, Naples.


The photograph is clearly marked along the lower edge:


“Napoli Museo Discobolo.”

“Sommer – Napoli”


and carries the image/catalogue number 7570.


Giorgio Sommer (1834–1914) was one of the most important photographers working in Italy during the second half of the 19th century. His Naples studio became particularly well known for photographs of Italian architecture, archaeological sites, museum antiquities and classical sculpture. His photographs were popular with wealthy European travellers undertaking the Grand Tour, who purchased them as souvenirs of Italy.


This striking image shows the classical nude male figure in a dynamic athletic pose, photographed against a simple background to emphasise the sculptural form.


The photograph appears to have genuine age and displays considerable foxing/spotting, surface marks, creasing and general age-related wear, particularly visible to the reverse and lighter areas. The sheet also has some curvature from previous storage. These imperfections add to its period character but should be carefully noted by prospective buyers.


A fascinating piece of early Italian photographic and Grand Tour history, ideal for a collector of 19th-century photography, classical antiquities, Italian Grand Tour material or Giorgio Sommer photographs.


Photographer: Giorgio Sommer (1834–1914)

Studio: Sommer, Napoli

Subject: Discobolo / classical sculpture

Catalogue No.: 7570

Origin: Naples, Italy

Date: Likely late 19th century, circa 1870–1890

Medium: Albumen photographic print / photograph