Mussolini in Venice, Alfred Eisenstaedt

Mussolini in Venice, Alfred Eisenstaedt, 13/6/1934 Gelatin silver print 19.1 x 24.4cm

This image shows a very powerful message of a very powerful subject. The dramatic pose of Mussolini in this image is of a gesture held by the photograph. The pose makes him seem impassioned and suggests an emphasis to match his speech. His is literally reaching out in front of him to his audience.  The gap between him and the group of men to the left is very significant. It suggests that he stands out from them, and is different.  The camera is looking up at him, which, as I have learnt from other images, suggests power and authority. However, the perspective of the camera means that he appears higher in the image than they do, which normally the viewer infers as unstable. The background of this image, is of a very ornate and sturdy building. Built from stone, the strength of the pillars among other properties are symbols that can attributed to Mussolini. The uniform worn by Mussolini suggest a well trained and disciplined personality.