A detailed 19th-century albumen photograph by Giorgio Sommer documenting the architectural remains of the Stabian Baths in Pompeii.

This albumen print by Giorgio Sommer captures the architectural remains of the Stabian Baths, often referred to as the 'new baths' or 'Bağni nuovi' in period documentation, within the archaeological site of Pompeii. Sommer, a German photographer who established a studio in Naples, became one of the most prolific documentarians of Italian antiquities during the late nineteenth century. His work provided European audiences with a direct visual connection to the ongoing excavations at the site.

The image presents a clear view of the structural masonry and the decorative wall surfaces that survived the volcanic eruption of 79 AD. The composition focuses on the transition between the open courtyard and the vaulted interior spaces. The sharp contrast between the sunlit exterior walls and the deep shadow cast by the archway demonstrates the technical precision Sommer applied to his topographical studies. The wall surfaces retain faint traces of the original plasterwork and painted ornamentation, which were of great interest to contemporary scholars and tourists alike.

Sommer utilised the albumen process, which was the standard for commercial photography during this period. This method allowed for the reproduction of fine detail in the stone textures and the subtle tonal variations across the ruins. The print is presented here with its original catalogue numbering, reflecting its status as part of a larger systematic survey of the region. By documenting these structures, Sommer contributed to the visual record of classical archaeology, capturing the physical state of the ruins before further environmental degradation or modern restoration efforts altered their appearance. This print offers a precise, unadorned look at the Roman architectural form, stripped of the romanticised interpretations common in earlier artistic depictions of the site.