Debora: A Glimpse into 1960s Italian Portraiture
Table of Contents
Exploring themes of femininity and domesticity through a vintage photograph.
The Singer Debora: A Moment Captured
A captivating black and white photograph, dated March 1960, presents the singer Debora in a candid pose.The image, part of the DIAL archive, showcases Debora sitting on a window sill, dressed in what is described as skimpy clothes
. This photograph offers a glimpse into the aesthetic and cultural values of the era.

Technical Details and Archival Information
The photograph, identified by the code D184-12, was created using silver bromide gelatin on polyester film, a common technique for the time. Its square format (6×6) was a popular choice for medium format cameras, known for their image quality and versatility. The subject matter is listed as various material
, suggesting a focus on texture and composition beyond just the human subject.
- Color: Black and White
- Material and Technique: Silver bromide gelatin / film (polyester)
- Format: 6×6
- Object: Various material
- Photo Code: D184-12
Contextualizing the Image: Italian Photography in the 1960s
The 1960s marked a period of significant social and cultural change in Italy. Photography played a crucial role in documenting these shifts,capturing both the everyday lives of ordinary people and the glamorous world of celebrities and performers. Images like this one of Debora provide valuable insights into the fashion, attitudes, and artistic sensibilities of the time.
Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.
Dorothea Lange
Further Exploration
This photograph is part of a larger collection, with approximately 20 other images related to this home service
theme. Further research into the DIAL archive may reveal more about Debora’s career and the context in which this photograph was taken.