Since the first excavations of Pompeii in 1748, the ancient Roman city that Mt. Vesuvius buried in 79 C.E. has fascinated scholars and tourists alike. In the late-nineteenth century, Italy became a prime destination for photographers, who were drawn to its Roman ruins and artworks. Photographers established large firms in tourist centers like Naples, where they sold souvenir prints and albums. In addition to serving a tourist market, nineteenth-century photographers worked closely with Italian archaeologists to document the excavations at Pompeii. This exhibition explores how, in the late-nineteenth century, the new medium of photography played a key role in Italy’s developing tourist industry and shaped the public’s perception of Pompeii’s ancient ruins for years to come.

Curated by Nicole Berlin, Assistant Curator of Collections.

The Davis Museum is free and open to all. All visitors are required to register in the Davis lobby, show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, and mask while in the galleries.