I love Italian vintage photos so when I realized I’d be in New York City in time for an Italian vintage photo I definitely was interested. Since I was arriving in New York on the last day of the exhibit, I decided to make it happen. I could have gone alone, but my first thought was to see if my friend and fellow italophile from NYC was interested to go.I was thrilled when Gina Richardson responded that she was available and able to meet me at Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, the home of the Department of Italian Studies at New York University.
The famous photographer, Hope Herman Wurmfeld, photographed everyday people in 1964 during her first trip to Italy. This exhibit showcases 50 of these vintage black and white photographs.
Upon entering the building which was originally a villa, I found myself alone in a small lobby where I signed a guestbook and noticed black and white photographs on the wall. I walked through to a beautifully landscaped courtyard and felt an immediate sense of peace as the cool breeze made for a comfortable afternoon.
I walked back inside and shortly afterward, Gina arrived. How wonderful to meet my friend again in the city after almost exactly a year since we had first met in person after communicating on social media for a couple of years. The exhibit was free and very low key. No one was around, just a guest book to sign, and we were able to wander on our own and at our own pace through the few corridors where the photos were displayed.
The photographer certainly captured the Italian life in these photos of everyday people. And the monochrome photos made the scenes even more real to me. I especially like this one captured in Palermo of the laundry hanging and the family behind the door.
The men always seem to hang out and probably discuss the issues of the day while the women were nowhere around.
A solitary woman walks among the trulli houses of Alberobello.
This woman was photographed in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome. I bet she has stories to tell.
A nun from Colcullo, Abruzzo
More of Wurmfeld’s photos can be found on her website if you are interested in seeing other Italian vintage photos.
Visit the Facebook page of Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò for more on this special place at NYU.
Un po' di pepe
How did I miss this post! I guess I was getting ready to leave for Italia. I love Italian vintage photos especially if laundry is involved. I have some incredible ones of my Papa and his 2 friends hanging out in Roma in 1960. They look molto cool. We always display them up on his birthday. Ciao, Cristina
margieinitaly
Ciao Cristina…That is so great that you have those vintage photos of your Papa and his friends! Thanks so much for sharing
Hope Wurmfeld
Thanks much for coming to my exhibition. So glad that you enjoyed it. You might like to take a look at my website which has this body of work in addition to several others. Ciao, Hope
margieinitaly
Thank you so much, Hope…I have been to your website and love all of your work….I appreciate your taking time to read my blog and comment/
stellalucentellc
Amazing work! The personalities of the people photographed really shine through! Thanks for sharing!
margieinitaly
Thanks Kathy….A photo says a thousand words, doesn’t it??
karenincalabria
Very nice exhibit -thanks for sharing, Margie.
margieinitaly
Thank you Karen…
amindfultravellerblog
How wonderful Margie. I enjoyed looking through these photos, and how lovely to meet up with your friend Gina too.
margieinitaly
Than you, Lorelle…Yes it was certainly a lovely afternoon
Bonnie Davis
So poignant!
margieinitaly
Thank you Bonnie
Book Club Mom
Hi Margie! So many stories behind these photographs, don’t you think?
margieinitaly
Oh yes, Barbara…to be sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
dollygoolsby
I enjoyed seeing these photos. I was intrigued by one photo: someone in a mask, like a Ku Klux Klan makes. I recently learned, that in Florence, I don’t know how many years ago, but notable people who wanted to work with the poor, the sick, do charity work, would wear masks like this so that they would not be recognized. Intererasannte, eh?
margieinitaly
Thanks Dolly…I wondered about those masks too…very interesting
Gina Girasole
It was great to see Margie again, especially at Casa Italiana, to view the exhibition of stunning black and white pictures of vintage Italy by Hope Herman Wurmfeld. Thanks for thinking of me.
margieinitaly
Gina I’m so happy you were able to share the experience with me…We had a great time
hhimarianne
Oh I loved the photographs! Thank you for sharing them with us!
margieinitaly
My pleasure, Marianne. Thanks so much for following my blog. It was truly a wonderful exhibit!
Katherine Smothers
Thank you for sharing this. What a wonderful collection of photos. Truly captures everyday life. I have always loved B&W photos… Gorgeous courtyard!
Grazie
margieinitaly
Thanks Katherine…So glad you enjoyed these…