Turin 1911: The World's Fair in Italy

Digital File Back Image

Catalog Level
Items (Cataloging Focus)

Title Proper/Title Text
Torino - Espos 1911 - Cerimonia Inaugurazione

Date of Publication/Creation Date
April 29, 1911 ca. (inauguration day)

Inscription Language
Italian (Language)

General Subject Terms

Descriptive Note Text

This is a photo postcard documenting the inauguration ceremony of the 1911 Turin International Exposition. The photograph is taken from a high vantage point, probably an upper gallery, looking down and across a large ceremonial hall packed with hundreds of people. The main floor is filled almost entirely with men in formal dress: dark tailcoats with white shirtfronts and ties. Many are seated in rows facing toward the lower left. Others stand along the back and sides, and a few have turned toward the camera. The upper gallery runs across the top of the frame behind a balustrade decorated with carved or molded relief panels, divided by tall columns. It is crowded with spectators, including women in the large, wide-brimmed hats, which suggests the gallery was where ladies and guests watched. The architecture at the back includes an arched doorway with a grille at center right, flanked by staircases that rise toward the gallery. A diagonal railing or stair cuts across the left side. The style is ornate and classicizing, consistent with the Exposition’s temporary festival architecture.

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