Urban life stories

“Zia Nenneda: Timeless Faith and Generational Contrast in Sardinian Tradition”

This photograph, taken during a religious wedding ceremony at the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Rimedio in Orosei, Sardinia, captures a moment imbued with solemnity and cultural richness. The elderly woman portrayed is Giovanna Zedde, known as Zia Nenneda, born in Orosei on July 11, 1930. The ceremony took place on October 26, 2013, in a church steeped in history. Built in the 16th century and later expanded in the late 19th century, the sanctuary is surrounded by numerous cumbessias and serves as a center for prayer and community life, especially during the annual novena in September.

The scene is layered with emotion, tradition, and a sense of timelessness, making it an ideal piece for an exhibition exploring the connections between pictorial photography and the influence of Caravaggio.

In the center of the image, a young girl in a vivid blue outfit stands out among the adults, who are dressed in darker, more traditional clothing. Her wide-eyed gaze brings an element of innocence and curiosity that contrasts with the solemn expressions around her, particularly the elderly woman beside her, Zia Nenneda, who appears deeply absorbed in the ritual. This contrast highlights the themes of youth and experience, a common motif in Caravaggio’s work, where different generations coexist within a single frame, each carrying their own distinct emotional presence.

The use of chiaroscuro, a hallmark of Caravaggio’s style, is evident in the play of light and shadow across the subjects’ faces and hands. The dim lighting creates a dramatic atmosphere, emphasizing the contours and textures of each figure and giving the photograph a painterly quality. This technique, combined with the image’s distressed, almost vintage look, transports the viewer to another time, as though peering into a centuries-old painting.

This photograph bridges the gap between classical and modern art forms, showcasing how contemporary photography can evoke the same emotional depth and visual drama as Baroque painting. It not only captures a Sardinian religious tradition but also transforms it into an iconic, almost sacred moment that resonates universally. Through its composition, lighting, and texture, this photograph invites viewers to reflect on themes of faith, heritage, and the continuity of cultural rituals.