Secondo Pia photographs the Shroud of Turin (1898)

Secondo Pia, an Italian lawyer and amateur photographer, took the first photographs of the Shroud of Turin in May 1898 during a public exhibition in Turin. While developing the negatives, he discovered that the image appeared as a positive, revealing details clearer than the natural sepia color. This discovery facilitated scientific study and influenced Catholic devotion.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. In 1898, Turin celebrated the 400th anniversary of its Cathedral and the 50th anniversary of the Statuto Albertino. The Shroud was displayed in a public exhibition. Secondo Pia, an amateur photographer, was permitted to photograph the relic. He set up equipment in the Cathedral on May 25, 1898, during the exhibition's noon closure.

Photographic Discovery. Pia took the first photographs on May 28, 1898. Upon developing the negatives, he observed that the image on the Shroud appeared as a positive. This effect, where the negative reveals a clearer image than the natural sepia color, was a significant discovery that allowed for better visual analysis of the relic.

Legacy and Impact. Pia's photographs enabled the scientific community to begin studying the Shroud. His work influenced Catholic devotion, particularly the Holy Face of Jesus, as his negative image was later used for devotional medals. Professional photographer Giuseppe Enrie confirmed Pia's findings in 1931, supporting the validity of the initial photographic observations.

People involved

Sources

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