Riehm, Bernd. Melancholisches Italien (Melancholic italy) by Bernd Riehm.

V V (Verlagsgruppe Vis-A-Vis), Berlin, Germany, 1988, Text by Dacia Maraini in German.  Large illustrated wraps, 72 pages, near fine with black-and-white photos of people, architecture, and scenes, most or all in Venice, by Riehm, who was born in 1962. Summary:

Melancholisches Italien (Melancholic Italy), published in 1988, is an evocative photographic monograph that captures a somber, atmospheric side of the Italian landscape and social fabric. It features the photography of Bernd Riehm and a literary contribution by the renowned Italian author Dacia Maraini.

Core Content and Aesthetic

The book departs from the sun-drenched, vibrant stereotypes of Italy, focusing instead on a mood of quietude and isolation.

• Venetian Focus: A significant portion of the work was photographed in Venice, moving away from tourist landmarks to capture the city’s decaying grandeur, shrouded in fog and stillness.

• Subject Matter: The imagery includes a mix of stark architecture, deserted streets, and portraits of people who appear lost in thought or reflection, reinforcing the "melancholic" theme of the title.

• The "Grey" Italy: By focusing on the off-season and the shadows of urban life, Riehm explores the weight of history and the feeling of a world suspended in time.

Visual Style

Bernd Riehm’s black-and-white photography is characterized by high-contrast tones and a focus on texture.

• Atmospheric Lighting: He utilizes natural, often overcast light to create a sense of depth and mystery.

• Compositional Solitude: His framing often emphasizes the scale of ancient stone structures against the solitary human figure, highlighting a sense of existential drift.

Key Information

• Author/Text: Includes a German text (and in some editions, Italian/English references) by Dacia Maraini, whose writing complements the visual narrative with its own sense of historical and emotional weight.

• Published: 1988 by Verlagsgruppe Vis-à-Vis (Berlin).

• Format: A large-format softcover (approx. 72 pages) consisting primarily of full-page monochrome plates.

Summary: Melancholisches Italien is a visual poem that treats Italy not as a postcard destination, but as a site of profound introspection. It is a vital work for those interested in the "European school" of street and architectural photography that prioritizes mood over documentation.