Carlo Naya

Carlo Naya (1816–1882) was a distinguished Italian photographer who played a pivotal role in documenting the visual history of Venice during a period of significant change. Born in Tronzano Vercellese, Italy, Naya initially pursued a career in law, studying at the University of Pisa. However, his passion for art and emerging technologies led him to the field of photography, a new and exciting medium at the time.

Naya traveled extensively across Europe and the Middle East, honing his photographic skills and developing a keen eye for architectural and cultural subjects. In the 1850s, he settled in Venice and established a photography studio that quickly gained renown for its high-quality images. His photographs were celebrated for their technical excellence, sharp detail, and artistic composition. Naya specialized in large-format photographs and was admired for capturing the intricate details of Venice’s architecture and urban landscapes.

After Naya’s death in 1882, his widow continued operating the studio, ensuring his legacy endured. The studio’s collection of negatives remained a valuable resource for producing images, including the lithographs in this collection, which were likely created posthumously based on his extensive work.