Core Nnapulitan, a photo from Naples, Campania

Photographer's Note

ENGLISH: I couldn't let this week pass without marking it. This week 60 years ago, my Dad left his beloved Naples for Australia.

My Dad, like so many, had a difficult War. He was one of 2,000 boys taken from his village by the Nazis, headed for the labour camps of Eastern Europe. he escaped in the Italian Alps and walked back to Naples, 1 of only 200 to escape and actually survive.

After the War, like most countries, Italy was devastated and there was very little work. As the eldest of the family, it was decided that my father would seek work in Australia, 20,000 kilometres away. The journey by ship took three months, on a leaky old ship called the Florentia. He spoke no English, and he left his mother, father and 10 brothers and sisters back in Italy. Sadly, he never saw his parents again, but continued to send money home to his family. In 1992, my Dad returned to Naples for the first time in forty years. I accompanied him and still get emotional at the memory of all his brothers and sisters and their children gathered at the airport to meet us.

In my Workshop are two photos not taken by me, but which mean alot.

Below I have quoted a poem in the Neapolitan dialect by a famous Italian poet Salvatore Di Giacomo. This is my translation:

And she said, "Heart, heart!
my heart, you go away,
you leave me and I count the hours ...
Who knows when you will come back? "
I replied "I'll be back
when the roses return...
as sure as this flower returns in May
so I'll be here in May
As sure as this flower returns in May
so in May I will be here

ITALIANO: Non potevo lasciar passare questa settimana senza marcatura. Questa settimana 60 anni fa, mio padre ha lasciato la sua amata Napoli per l'Australia.

Dopo la guerra, come la maggior parte dei paesi, l'Italia � stata devastata e c'era poco lavoro. Come il pi� grande della famiglia, � stato deciso che pap� andrebbe in Australia a cercare lavoro. Il viaggio in nave ci sono voluti tre mesi, su una nave molto vecchia si chiamata Florentia. Pap� non parlava l'inglese, e ha lasciato la madre, il padre e 10 fratelli e sorelle in Italia. Purtroppo, non ha mai visto i suoi genitori, ma ha continuato a mandare soldi alla sua famiglia. Nel 1992, mio padre e' tornato a Napoli per la prima volta in quarant'anni. L'ho accompagnato ed ancora sono commossa al ricordo di tutti i suoi fratelli e sorelle e loro figli al'aeroporto.

Nel mio laboratorio sono due foto non scattate da me, ma significa molto.

Ecco una parta della poesia di Salvatore Di Giacomo, un poeta Napoletano molto famoso, intitolato "Era de maggio":

E diceva: "Core, core!
core mio, luntano vaje,
tu mme lasse, io conto ll'ore...
chis� quanno turnarraje!"
Rispunnev'io: "Turnarraggio
quanno tornano li rrose...
si stu sciore torna a maggio,
pure a maggio io stgo cc�...
Si stu sciore torna a maggio,
pure a maggio io stgo cc�."

In Italiano:

E diceva, "Cuore, cuore!
cuore mio lontano vai,
tu mi lasci e io conto le ore...
chi sa quando tornerai?"
Rispondevo "Torner�
quando tornano le rose...
quant'� vero che questo fiore torna a maggio
cos� a maggio sar� qui
Quant'� vero che questo fiore torna a maggio
cos� a maggio sar� qui

La canzone da Francesco Battiato, grazie a Valter:

Era de Maggio

maloutim, baddori, bayno, timecapturer, Silvio1953, tyro, SnapRJW, ACL1978, carlo62, photoray, jjcordier, Waylim, Gigidusud, gus72, No_One, PaulVDV, ikeharel, adores, lakshmip1949, ourania, ebingul, lgir, macjake, macjake, Sonata11, danos, EstudioChispa, KristinsCamera, jcpix, chandrapranil, iainsp has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

lousat (139308) 2012-08-07 4:05

Ciao Lisa,un capolavoro!!! Che prospettiva,che dettagli e che grande idea la virata in bianco e nero,non c'era miglior modo per celebrare i 60 anni,un veri spettacolo!!! Buona serata e complimenti,Luciano

kathryn_weir (2056) 2012-08-07 4:12

Ciao Lisa,
Such a moving story to go with this equally impressive story. You gave me goose bumps reading your father's story.
This is a spectacular POV and the B&W treatment is simply perfect for such a strong geometric composition. The sharpness is perfect.
Thanks for sharing , neighbours for a day :)
Have a great week
regards
Kathryn

snunney (130967) 2012-08-07 4:23

Hello Lisa,
A fine story to accompany this fine photograph; one tinged with happiness and sadness at the same time. The point of view and sharpness are both superb. Black and white suit both the image and the story perfectly.

Sergiom (117241) 2012-08-07 4:33

Ciao Lisa,

Your technique is flawles in that perfect picture. The "symetrie" is impeccable and the use of the black and white gives an old feel to the thing.

Have a nice day

Serge

baddori (20341) 2012-08-07 4:39

Lisa
La cupola centrale e le sue 4 fughe , fotograficamente paga sempre.
Forse a colori o con altro POV centrale hai postato uno scatto.
Adesso in europa ed Italia, non eserciti ma cinici speculatori ed una economia-locomotiva e strategie di "mercato".
Bella la nota, nelle olimpiadi i bravissimi atleti (in tutte le discipline) sono tutti figli di chi ha preso in epoca diversa vecchie navi.
GF

maloutim (13617) 2012-08-07 4:58

Ciao Lisa,
Storia molto commovente di tuo pap� che aveva fuggito dal grappino tedesco durante la guerra.
Molto bravi questi giovani che rifiutarono la tirania di Hitler !
Tua foto mi fa pensare a la grandezza di sua anima !
Che magnifica galler�a invetriata che alza sua bella architettura fino al cielo.
Buonissima elezione del bianco e nero.
Carissimi Saluti.
Marie-Louise.
Molto elegante tuo pap� ne WS. devi essere fiera di lui !

bayno (18348) 2012-08-07 4:59

Cara Lisuzza,
hai scritto una nota toccante ed emozionante, ho visto il Ws del tuo pap�, veramente un bell'uomo, la foto � stupenda, confessa l'hai tagliata con il centimetro in mano...la simmetria � perfetta e le geometrie molto belle, per quanto riguarda la canzone non potevi sceglire brano migliore...prova ad ascoltare la versione cantata da Battiato, ottima la scelta per il B&W e un eccellente sharp...
Buona serata,
Valter

timecapturer (49288) 2012-08-07 5:02

Dear Lisa
first and foremost I read your notes here before looking at this wonderful image. I can understand why this week is so special to you and I found your words so moving and they touched me emotionally, as did the magical pictures in the workshop. Family means so much doesn't it and all the more so when so many are no longer here to talk and laugh with.

Love the detail in this shot, it is so delicate and elegant and a stunning B&W presentation.

Awesome and beautiful!

Best wishes - Brian.

Silvio1953 (221695) 2012-08-07 5:39

Ciao Lisa, gran bella simmetrie e ottinmi dettagli, favoloso bianco e nero, bravissima, ciao Silvio

tyro (30513) 2012-08-07 6:02

Ciao cara Lisa,

I looked at this picture just over an hour ago but made no comment at that time because you hadn't by then uploaded your workshop pictures. But now that I see all three pictures, I realise how much this must be a very emotional time for you.

I presume that your father was one of the Italian military internees following the armistice between Italy and Allied forces in late 1943. He was, indeed, most fortunate to have managed to escape and it's fabulous that you have a picture of him looking happy and relaxed with two of his pals in 1952. A good looking fella too - and one to whom you owe your good looks too, if I'm not mistaken - yes, your smile in your photo on your introductory page is just like his! Your other workshop picture is an excellent reminder too though I think I'm correct in thinking that your father doesn't feature in that photo as it's one which you captured in a museum.

Although you don't actually say where your main picture was taken, I believe it to be in the Galleria Umberto, as here - that roof dome is unmistakable! An excellent black and white rendition of this wonderful and impressive interior with lovely tones and contrasts and excellent light. Fabulous details and sharpness too.

Wonderful!

Kind Regards,

John.

williewhistler (16606) 2012-08-07 6:38

Hello Lisa,
the extraordinary detail of the building is perfectly photographed,it complements the story of your Fathers remarkable travels very well.A most emotive upload.
Best regards Les.

dkmurphys (79209) 2012-08-07 6:41

Ciao Lisa,
Very fine upper view. Impressive textures of the big old structure. Well taken!

Daniel

sabermonajati (11537) 2012-08-07 7:10

hi lisa
you write amazing note and this building has a illustrated architecture.
regard
saber

Oceania (5202) 2012-08-07 7:14

Hi Lisa,

The architecture is magnificent.

The composition is awesome.

SNOOP_Chan (4377) 2012-08-07 7:36

Hello Lisa, lovely image here, so graphic. I love the excellent sharpness and the care for the details. Good choice the b/w. Super!
Regards!

SnapRJW (31631) 2012-08-07 8:17

Hello Dear Lisa - Your notes made wonderful, if poignant, reading. A pivotal time in the life of your father and one that has led to where you are today. Family ties seem to get more precious the older we get and family history needs to be documented before it is too late. A memorable shot to mark a Rubicon moment in the history of your family. I loved the WS pics! Thanks for sharing this very special time with us. Rosemary

ACL1978 (7511) 2012-08-07 8:57

A wonderful moment to commemorate, Lisa, and you've done so with a stunning image. Exceptionally well realized, and a perfect subject for black and white with textured light and buildings. It becomes a bit of graphic art in places, with perfect symmetry and framing.

The workshop shots are also wonderful historical documents - thanks for sharing them!

Andrew

serp2000 (47063) 2012-08-07 9:54

Ciao, Lisa,
Outstanding b&w composition! Gorgeous and grace architecture. It reminds me the Gallery of Victor Emmanuil in Milano, isn't it?
Thanks for sharing! My compliments!
Serghei

Royaldevon (85932) 2012-08-07 14:23

My Dear Lisa,

I found your notes so very moving. It emphasised the trauma suffered by so many as a result of the war. My father was reluctant to speak about it, only that he was glad it was over. I can't even imagine how you must have felt when you met all your relatives for the first time. You must have been bursting inside.

Your photograph is quite remarkable. It has turned the architectural details, lines and geometric shapes into a wonderful abstract pattern. It is sharply exposed and perfectly composed. I agree with your decision to use b&w; it emphasises the intricacy of the pattern with no distractions.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

carlo62 (81265) 2012-08-07 15:16

Ciao Lisa
inutile intrattenermi sulla qualit� indiscussa delle tue foto, questa � semplicemente meravigliosa, hai tagliato molto bene e scelto il B&W come meglio non si poteva fare.
La nota � pura poesia, ho qualche piccola cosa in comune con te, per cui posso immaginare le tue emozioni.
Un forte abbraccio
Carlo

photoray (13981) 2012-08-07 18:05

Howdy BabyboomerLisa,

Or at least in America we are called that, children with WWII parents.

Wonderful monochrome mixture of classical architecture in geometric patterns and all in varying angles, thanks to your zoomed vision.

Good job,
Sincerely,
Ray

PS: California's Eastern Sierra has autumn Nature gold in bigger doses than any metal mines, though Bodie was a major mining town in the early 20th century.

jjcordier (79299) 2012-08-07 22:58

Lisa
Une note pleine d'駑otion pour se souvenir de ce moment si important pour ton papa et donc aussi pour toi. Cette photo hommage est absolument splendide avec un cadrage et un POV id饌ux et une conversion en noir et blanc tr鑚 r騏ssie et bien adapt馥 � l'騅鈩ement.
Amicalement
JJ

ifege (48135) 2012-08-07 23:44

A good photo by which to remember a significant family event Lisa. Good, interesting workshop photos as well.
This one is great in B&W
cheers
Ian

Waylim (25436) 2012-08-08 0:29

Hi NG,

I think I might have seen this one on PF? or similar on, anyway, I'm still amazed with the perspective and depth of this iamge. though the iamge is rather small, but I can really feel the space and just how big this building is. The details is incredible with perfect sharpness and clarity. the b&w is a great choice for this presentation.

Thank for the WS, such a nice old photo of your father and the immegration photo. So much history there.

Way

rbellemare (2109) 2012-08-08 2:45

Hello Lisa,

Thank for sharing part of your family history. It was very touching and I imagine how important this week must be for you.

Your picture is incredible. Perfect symmetry, nice use of B&W, and excellent sharpness.

Noting else to say, splendid.

R駛ean

lpi (4857) 2012-08-08 9:13

Salut Lisa!
Quelle beau shot!
Ton choix du noir & blanc est bien vu, j'aime les d騁ails de ton clich�.
Bravo!
Amicalement,
Lpi

yaya13baut (3344) 2012-08-08 10:21

cia Lisa,
a nice capture to express your feeling and your souvenir.
this is a fine POV, quite impressive and vertiginous.
great perspective, sharp picture, good turn in b&w.
Yannis

abmdsudi (95869) 2012-08-08 12:51

Hi Lisa
The detail and intricate delicacy amazed me, this is such a great architectural shot and a moving story accompanying this, and the additional photos are so meaningful to you. Pin-sharp and no distracting elements and I like the way the eye naturally follows the lines of this is quite an intimate shot, so much care and affection in it, plus the happiness and sadness. Great capture, Well done.
Warm regards

francio64 (39888) 2012-08-08 13:28

Ciao Lis�,
eh si! Sempre bella Napoli. Peccato che molta gente si lascia condizionare dalle dicerie, un p� come per noi siciliani... "tutti mafiosi". Mah!
Io come sai, ho vissuto a Napoli quando ero un militare.
Sono stati soltanto 2 mesi, ma sufficienti per apprezzare le bellezze architettoniche e il suo meraviglioso golfo.
A volte anche io ho detto qualche cosa di negativo su Napoli, ma oggi mi convinco di aver sbagliato.

E' una splendida citt�, ricca di arte e con gente sempre allegra.
Forse l'allegria � nel DNA dei napoletani. Sempre a cantare.

Bellissima la Galleria dedicata a Umberto I, ricca di grafismo.
Questo � uno dei POV migliori che si possono trovare qui dentro.
L'effetto distorsione � bellissimo e il taglio verticale mette in ottima evidenza tutta la magnificenza di questa meravigliosa opera di architettura.

Ottima la scelta del bianco e nero, ben lavorato.

Un abbraccio al tuo pap� che penso e ricordo sempre con tanto affetto e stima.

Passa una bella giornata di sole.
Cicc

Gigidusud (21679) 2012-08-08 13:38

Ciao cara Lisa,
Fantastica cattura della bellissima Galleria Umberto.Eccellente POV e,inquadratura e grande prospetiva.Splendida foto!Ho soggiornato qui 2 anni fa.
Molto commovente la storia del tuo pap�,ne ho le lacrime agli occhi.Era molto coraggioso.Maronna che bel uomo!Grazie par tutte queste emozioni,le cose piu belle della vita sono i piu simplici.Un caro saluto a tuo pap�,forse un giorno ci incontreremmo con i nostri pap� a Napoli!:)
Baci.
Ghislaine

skippy007 (12510) 2012-08-09 4:27

Ciao Cara, If there are typing errors it's because I have a tear in my eye, a moving tribute & one that I can relate to. No doubt your dear father will also be moved by this dedication & song, look carefully, you may also see a tear in his eye, brava, well done.

Abbraccio
Santo

sacimar (38173) 2012-08-09 5:05

Hello Lisa,

this is an excellent image, I like the perspective and the visual effect you got here, the graphism is interesting also, well seen,

Un abrazo,

Sergio

No_One (4) 2012-08-09 9:16

Gidday Lisa!

I am not sure if Woooooooooooooooooaaahh is a word or not, but that sums up this image for me! The sense of height is amazing with your POV, and those buildings are incredible detailed. Your choice of B&W is perfect and gives a wonderful classical feel to the capture. Lovely light management as well, just enough shadow to leave the wonderful details. Fantastic!

Best wishes from Ireland!
Noel

mjw364 (1466) 2012-08-10 1:39

Oh now - this is my type of image! Fantastic detailed image with effective high contrast that adds to its detail. What a brilliant spiders web ceiling too.

Very emotional note too Lisa... I feel for your father and his parents.

Take care

Mike

PaulVDV (62970) 2012-08-10 13:22

Hello Lisa,
A very touching story. And worldwide there are more and more people adverturing into the unknown hoping to find a better life for themselves and their relatives.
The picture here is a real masterpiece. The Galleria Umberto I is a masterpiece but also this picture!
Fantastic in black and white.
Excellently detailed. Perfect sharpness.
Best regards, Paul

ikeharel (113411) 2012-08-11 0:45

Thought a lot about what to write here, for three days already, dear Lisa:
Beside the flawless photo posted, your written note is with much emotion. Naturally this is an inclination catching everyone when memories like this overwhelm a person - and I like such an approach, as we are not robots.
The WS with your father as a young man, is a fascinating picture he kept, handsome guy that taken his destiny to a far country.
Cheers, e buona Sabato.
Ike

siudzi (34141) 2012-08-11 7:05

Hi Lisa,
Wow! What an outstanding image of this impressive architecture! Love it! Perfectly executed and presented in b&w version. The symmetry of your composition is superb and beautifully works with lines of the ceiling.

Excellent work! Bravo!

Have a nice weekend!
Malgorzata

karacabeylis (1471) 2012-08-11 8:02

should be a master-piece of making shot on arch.. bravo.

kiks (12805) 2012-08-11 9:01

Fantastic grafic effect. Perfect choice of pov and the b&w make the lines even stronger. Best regards kiks

adores (46979) 2012-08-11 16:24

Hi Lisa!
I don't know this place but I've seen great shots of it and this one is no exception. You framed it really well and the b&w conversion is perfect!
A great way to celebrate a lifetime, Lisa! That period was difficult for so many people! I'm sure he missed home a lot there!

lakshmip1949 (19081) 2012-08-12 5:53

Namaskar dear Lisa,

Your note is very touching. You must be proud of your dad who sacrificed his time with the family and migrated to a country far away to help them. He must be happy and sad to visit the home he left 40 years earlier.

This is a superb image in B&W with sharpness and details.

Lakshmi

speedymanu (3701) 2012-08-13 0:17

Hello Lisa,

asuperb photograph to celebrate this precious memory. The subtle palette, the arachnean details, the stunning perspecive, you've really captured the delicacy of this place. Congrats,

Emmanuel

ourania (51103) 2012-08-13 4:35

Ciao cara lisa,
questa foto e' un capolavoro, la splendida architettura riempie il quadro verticale con stupenda prospettiva e simmetria, raffinati motivi eleborati ed elegantissimi. Mi pare che l' emozione della tua nota e lo splendore e la complicatezza dell' immagine si combinano meravigliosamente. Adesso considero la vista e lo sguardo stupito verso l' alto come una metafora. Le fotografie del workshop sono ormai preziose e piene di emozione, questi giorni vive di nuovo per la gente del sud. Come si interpretano i sorrisi dei giovani di sessant' anni fa? Tanti complimenti e grazie!
Tanti saluti e buona settimana,
Ourania

ebingul (1984) 2012-08-13 7:50

Ciao Lisa,
You captured this amazing architecture which has many fine details,masterfully and with great symmetry.Very good vertical framing and B&W presentation with fine clarity and sharpness.
Very nice and touching notes as well.
Very well done and best regards.
Emin

lgir (7363) 2012-08-14 3:02

Hello Isa,

excellent rendering, black and white, on this architecture with beautiful geometric and aesthetic effects.
Very good wwork
Regards
Laurent

gus72 (3719) 2012-08-14 23:19

Hi Bambina !!
I was here aprox. 47 years ago..... and I have not forgotten it .... magnificent.
Love the story about your father return to Italy.... I have read a few books about the migrants lives in Australia & Argentina.Great sacrifices..... but also great successes
and achievements.
Cheers
Gus

Bluejeans (64251) 2012-08-16 2:30

Ola Lisa ,
Est� fant疽tica esta tua foto a preto e branco nesta galerias em Naples , os detalhes de arquitetura s縊 magn凬icos , boa sensa鈬o de altura , parab駭s!!
Um abra輟 Gon軋lo

chawax (20764) 2012-08-17 8:57

Hi Lisa,
An excellent POV on this nice building. The symetry is perfect and the low POV makes the place impressive. Excellent note too. I can imagine how hard it must be to leave his country, his family and friends to have a better life.
Regards,
Olivier

macjake (98456) 2012-08-19 10:21

Hi Lisa
Its great to be back home again, and also great to be back on TE :)
no TEBO for me right now lol

going away for an extended time always makes you appreciate home just a little bit more, but it was an awesome trip, probably one of my favorites of all time!

and now back to the photo, and yes, the classic Naples architecture that we see alot of here on TE.
maybe one day i'll get a shot for myself, its stunning isnt it!

wonderfully moving story in your note too, with the WS photo's too.
well done
enjoy your day, see you around
Craig

Sonata11 (34119) 2012-08-26 19:10

Hello Lisa,
what a beautiful architecture of the beautiful interior. Stunningly beautiful composition with frame too. Splendid colors, sharpness, clarity of so many details, fabulous POV. Very beautiful snapshot you done and fantastic executed image. Love it. Thanks for sharing.
All the best and have a nice beginning new week,
Barbara

danos (110407) 2012-08-28 5:57

Ciao Lisa,
very impressive the ceiling view of the interior of the building with the roor to creates a great texture for the image.Fine the B/W format as the clarity and the sharpness of the sceen.

Regards,Danos

korbee (6619) 2012-08-28 13:13

looks great Lisa,almost like the one in Milano,we got one at home as well in Den Haag,I know from experience this kind of photos is pretty hard to get into good balance because of your low position,youvr done well,and the b&w is perfect.

jan

KristinsCamera (2384) 2013-07-21 5:34

wow.

what a fabulous shot ~ as intricate and detailed and layered as your father's life.
(and now i understand why you speak and write italian :)

such a beautiful symmetry in both this architecture and your photograph, as if a lesson that there is a pattern and symmetry in life, which may not be possible to see until the construction is finished...

i'm happy for you that you were able to be a part of your father's reunion with his family, what an incredibly emotional thing to witness. isn't life amazing?

big hug ~
kristin

jcpix (14030) 2013-08-06 15:51

Gidday Lisa,

I'm a man of my word, so here I have returned to compliment you on not only a fine photo, but also for the touching story which accompanies this work and allowing us a peek into your family life. :) It means a great deal to have something so personal reflected through the camera, as it comes through to the viewer on a more intimate level.

A beautiful display of man made creation, with such exquisite detail and symmetry...and you've done it proud to have composed and presented such a delightful look at this gallery in Naples. I think the color treatment serves this extremely well to enhance its character appeal. A conscious and careful arrangement. Thank you for sharing this beauty!

Friendly wishes,

Jason

kabel (1930) 2013-10-11 19:55

Hello, your image is perfect in every respect and excellent in b/w/. Flawless execution. Your fathers' story is touching and I feel privileged to know of it.
Thank you for sharing it with TE members.
Karen

chandrapranil (1087) 2015-07-30 18:08 [Comment]

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Photo Information

Copyright: Lisa DP (delpeoples) (60342)
Genre: 場所
Medium: 白黒
Date Taken: 2010-10-00
Categories: Architecture
Map: view
Photo Version：　Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s)：　Galleria Umberto Naples, Campania Mia, Soundtrack, Photos Linked to Poems or Books [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2012-08-07 3:59
お気に入り：　2 [view]