Accession Number
1980/1.183

Title
Anfiteatro di Pompei

Artist(s)
Italian

Object Creation Date
circa 1860

Medium & Support
albumen print on paper

Dimensions
10 7/16 in. x 14 15/16 in. ( 26.5 cm x 38 cm )

Credit Line
Transfer from the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

Subject matter
This photograph represents the amphitheater of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, now in ruins. Pompeii, along with its neighbor Herculaneum, was destroyed by the eurption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, which buried and thereby preserved the two cities in ash, pumice, and dirt. Since their rediscovery in the eighteenth century, Pompeii and Herculaneum have become major sites of conservation, tourism, as well as plunder. This photograph was made from a high vantage down onto the central arena of the amphitheater, where five (possibly six) human figures stand immobile. The symmetrical, semi-panoramic view emphasizes the expansive structure, while the presence of nineteenth-century visitors provides a sense of scale. The diaphanous silhouette of Mount Vesuvius dominates the background, a visual reminder of the powerful natural phenomenon that destroyed the city.

Physical Description
Photograph of large outdoor theatre. This is an overhead shot of the theatre; the stage and surrounding seats are visible.

Eva Caston 2017

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
Pompeii
Ruins
amphitheaters (built works)
gladiatorial games
groups
ruins
standing
tourism
travel photography
volcanoes