Portrait of a City: Rome

Name: Portrait of a City: Rome
SKU: 9783836562713
Price: 4505.00 EGP
Availability: OutOfStock

EGP4,505.00

This bumper photographic portrait of Rome brings together hundreds of photographs from the 1840s through to today to explore the extraordinary history, beauty, and art of this incomparable cultural capital.

From sepia and black and white to color, these outstanding images dating from the 1840s to the present day allow us — through the eyes of such photographers as Giacomo Caneva, Pompeo Molins, Giuseppe Primoli, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Carlo Bavagnoli, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Pasquale De Antonis, Peter Lindbergh, Slim Aarons, and William Klein — to discover Rome in its many compelling guises: as the center of the Roman Empire, as one of the cradles of the Renaissance, as a favorite destination for travelers and a rich patchwork of varied neighborhoods, as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, a stage for politics, and as the perfect backdrop for film and fashion shoots.

Reaching back into illustrious archives, some of the book’s early images offer us a privileged Grand Tour glimpse of some of Rome’s most treasured landmarks, revealing the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Spanish Steps almost void of crowds. Later pictures survey the city’s contrasts—from the luxurious homes and leisure activities of the privileged to street stalls and laundry lines in the working class districts of Trastevere and Testaccio. Some documentary-style shots show us the dark power of Mussolini, the city bedecked with his own iconography and imagery of strength, athleticism, and the fatherland.

As color photography comes in, the city transitions from a neo-realismo aesthetic to postwar recovery and hedonism: all the glamorous gowns, exotic celebrities, and Via Veneto café culture immortalized by Fellini. Many famous faces are here, including Louis Armstrong, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Anna Magnani, and Valentino.

Out of stock

SKU: 9783836562713 Categories: Books, E Fashion, English Books, Philosophy Author: Giovanni Fanelli

REFUND AND RETURN POLICY

Portrait of a City: Rome

Portrait of a City: Rome Book Description

Portrait of a City: Rome invites readers on a visual tour of the Eternal City, spanning from the 1840s to the present day. The book blends sepia tones, black‑and‑white shots, and vivid colour photographs to show Rome’s layered history, art, and everyday life. Inside, legendary photographers such as Giacomo Caneva, Henri Cartier‑Bresson and William Klein capture the city as an imperial heart, a Renaissance cradle, and a modern cultural hub.

Early images open a quiet Grand Tour, revealing the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Spanish Steps almost empty of tourists. Later photos contrast lavish villas with bustling stalls in Trastevere and Testaccio, letting readers feel both privilege and daily toil in Rome’s neighborhoods.

Documentary‑style pictures also expose a darker chapter, depicting Mussolini’s propaganda‑filled streets and militaristic symbols. As colour photography emerges, the tone shifts to post‑war recovery, showcasing glamorous evenings on Via Veneto, Fellini‑inspired café culture and the rise of fashion against ancient backdrops.

Throughout the volume, iconic faces such as Louis Armstrong, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Valentino appear beside famous scenery. These portraits underline Rome’s role as a timeless stage for art, cinema and celebrity.

Key Features of Portrait of a City: Rome

Each chapter follows a chronological order, helping readers trace architectural evolution and social change. The book offers more than three hundred high‑resolution images, many never published before, providing fresh perspectives on well‑known sites.

Detailed captions add historical context, while the layout balances large spreads with intimate close‑ups. Additionally, the collection highlights lesser‑known districts such as Testaccio’s market lanes and the tranquil gardens of Villa Torlonia, helping readers discover hidden corners rarely found in guidebooks.

Moreover, the mix of black‑and‑white and colour plates shows how photography itself evolved alongside the city. This contrast enriches the storytelling and adds visual depth to each era.

Why Read This Book?

Fans of travel, history and photography will enjoy the immersive experience Portrait of a City: Rome delivers. The book encourages readers to look beyond typical postcards, revealing socio‑political layers and artistic vibrancy.

Because the photographs are arranged to tell a story, readers can easily follow Rome’s transition from imperial power to modern metropolis. Furthermore, the visual storytelling makes the volume an ideal coffee‑table addition or a reference for students of art and urban studies.

Meanwhile, the presence of iconic personalities adds celebrity allure, while the documentary images provoke thoughtful reflection on Rome’s complex past.

About This Book

For more details about Portrait of a City: Rome and its author, visit the Goodreads page. Explore other top English titles in our store through the English Books collection. This volume is available now at Kalimat Bookstore Online, ready to enrich your bookshelf and inspire your next visit to Rome.