Giorgio Sommer: A Pioneer of Italian Photography Giorgio Sommer (1834-1914) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of European photography, particularly renowned for his extensive documentation of Italy during the latter half of the 19th century. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, to a family with roots in business, Sommer’s journey into the world of photography was initially driven by an apprenticeship and a keen interest in capturing the visual world. He quickly established himself as a skilled practitioner, gaining early experience in Switzerland before relocating to Naples in 1856, marking t…