Object Literature
The theme of the album starts with beautiful sculpture and statuary verves towards religious subjects and then on to architecture. Edizioni Brogi the Italian was active between the 1860s and 1920s and specialized in photographs of the architecture and landscapes of Naples and nearby towns and islands, which were produced by Edizioni Brogi, the photography studio directed by Carlo Brogi and his uncle, Alfredo Brogi.
Throughout the early period of the nineteenth century the ‘Grand Tour’ was becoming popular among young nobles. Many young men (and later, young women) were travelling to Italy and Greece seeing the marvels of classical design for themselves, and becoming inspired to bring that same sense of classical style and proportion back to Britain.
Visit Europe today and you are likely to come home with tasteless souvenirs whereas in the 18th century, the great age of the large and imposing country house, young men returned and transformed the decor and furnishings of their families’ country seats with their acquisitions with many became insatiable collectors. This album would have provided inspiration and a lasting memento of such a visit or perhaps a home made attempt at such an album.
Either way this is a very interesting and absorbing visual treat that would make a lovely gift.