Time and silence is the name of this photograph. Let me tell you the story behind it.
It was my first visit to Naples, during my tour of Southern Italy. I was fortunate enough to discover, by chance, one of the hidden treasures of the whole country. I’m Italian, but I didn’t know about this wonder before.
The name of this amazing place is the Naples National Archaeological Museum. I remember I was with my fiancée, now my wife, Clara. We were discovering the beauty of this great city. Naples can be gritty. It’s chaotic. It’s crazy. And it’s also one of the most utterly fascinating places in the world; unlike anywhere else you might go.
We planned to dedicate a couple of days to visit the city, looking for the best opportunities to create great photographs. Sometimes being the fiancée of a photographer is hard, which is why I am truly grateful for my wife’s patience. Being resilient is in her DNA. But let’s come back to the photograph…
We just had our breakfast in a small bar in front of the Naples National Archaeological Museum and our idea was to go through it in one hour, maybe less. We entered the Museum and… long story short, we exited four hours later. It was simply an amazing experience.
Discovering a Treasure
I discovered that very few of the frescoes, sculptures, mosaics, and everyday items from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the other sites devastated by Mt. Vesuvius are not in situ. Instead, they’re in Naples. The city’s archaeological museum is one of the best in Italy, if not the world. It is chock-full of such ancient treasures as the Farnese Bull, Artemis of Ephesus, and dozens of extraordinary frescoes.
If you’re lucky you can visit the Gabinetto Segreto (not always open), with erotic artifacts taken from the, ahem, less-respectable establishments of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This doesn’t mean you should miss Pompeii though; it is located less than one hour from Naples by car.
The Museum is one of the world’s greatest locations of Roman art. The Farnese collection comprises a large number of Roman sculptures including the Farnese Bull, the largest intact marble sculpture from antiquity.
Time and Silence: the Most Luxurious Things Today
It’s very difficult to choose one photograph to represent this wonderful collection, but I’ve chosen this one. Let me explain why.
Walking through the galleries, surrounded by so much beauty, with the best examples of Roman and Greek sculpture ever discovered, there was a moment when I get lost in the sheer volume of talent represented in this one location… I was simply confused by so much outstanding Art.
Some speak of Stendhal syndrome (also named Florence syndrome), that is a psychosomatic condition involving rapid heartbeat, fainting, and confusion occurring when individuals become exposed to objects or phenomena of great beauty.
I don’t know what it was, but I had the impression of the suspension of time and complete silence around me (which was impossible, due to the many tourists). I don’t know what the name of this sensation is, and frankly, I’m not so interested in the definition, but it happened exactly in front of the statues in this image. This image contains time and silence: the most luxurious things today.
A Timeless Beauty
My inspiration as a photographer materialized in the form of these timeless statues, their stoic expressions embodying the strength and resilience of the Roman Empire.
The artistic message I aim to convey is one of endurance; the marble, though worn by time, remains as striking as it was centuries ago, mirroring the enduring legacy of the Romans. The uniqueness of this photograph lies in its perspective - it allows the viewer to come face-to-face with history, offering an intimate encounter with the past.
The photo was taken in the soft, diffused light. This light, gentle yet persistent, enriches the marble's white hue, adding depth to the statues' expressions and accentuating their finely chiseled features.
Acquiring this photograph would be a statement of your appreciation for art and history. It would resonate with individuals who find beauty in the ancient world and take delight in pondering the mysteries of the past. This photograph displayed prominently, say, in a study or living room, will lend an air of sophistication to your space, its monochromatic simplicity contrasting beautifully with modern, colorful decor. Acquiring this photograph signifies your unique taste, setting you apart as a lover of fine art photography.
In essence, this photograph is not just a piece of art; it's a slice of history, a reflection of a civilization's strength and wisdom, and an exemplifier of exceptional artistry. With it, you're not just buying art, you're asserting your individuality, you're acquiring a piece of the past, and most importantly, you're welcoming an unparalleled elegance into your home.
This photograph will give your home a sample of Roman perfection. Its timeless beauty is sure to add elegance to any room. The double contribution of perspective and light, in this photograph, creates the perception of more space in your environment.
And remember, this photograph is forever. It will never be out of fashion and can be passed down for generations.
Time and Silence: a Museum Quality Piece of Fine Art Photography
I live in a country surrounded by the most exquisite art and I share this experience through my photography. I’d like to share the beauty of Italian Art with you for your enjoyment and to enhance your home.
I’ve chosen to work in partnership with Fine Art America. It’s the largest custom framing company in the world, with over 40 years of experience producing museum-quality prints.
Fine Art America offers hundreds of different frames and mats in a variety of colors and materials. Certainly, you can choose the dimension of the photograph that best works for you and your décor.
We’ll deliver the photograph right to your doorstep. The expert framing staff will hand-craft your photograph and ship it directly to you with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Paolo Modena
My name is Paolo. I am a photographer. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Italy, surrounded by the art that is the envy of the world. I enjoy photography because it has caused me to fall in love with light, shade, and color. I see the world around me with fresh eyes every single day. And sometimes, when the mood is right, I just sit back and enjoy the moment without taking a photo.