L'homme de Naples a séduit les photographes et est devenu le protagoniste d'une vidéo de Coldplay.

An elderly man from Naples has become the subject of a music video by the British band Coldplay after his portrait captured the attention of photographers around the world. The man, named Antonio Ventre, is eighty-two years old and known locally for his distinctive tattoo reading “Tutto passa,” which translates to “Everything passes.” His image, initially taken by French photographer Patrick Zachmann during a documentary project in Naples in 2018, eventually made its way into a high-profile fashion publication, Vogue Italia, and later became the centerpiece of a music video by Coldplay. Zachmann first noticed Ventre while photographing the city, drawn to him because he was shirtless, standing near the sea with the same tattoo visible. The image struck Zachmann so deeply that he later shared it online, sparking interest among other photographers. Among them was Sam Gregg, a British portrait and documentary photographer who, inspired by the intensity of Ventre’s gaze, created a series of images featuring the man. These photographs were part of a broader project documenting life in Naples, and they gained further traction when Gregg posted one on his Instagram account. The story took another turn when local photographer Robbie McIntosh, known for his work on a series titled On the Beach, completed the visual narrative. His photograph of Ventre, set against Mount Vesuvius, showed the man with his eyes fixed on the sky, bare chest exposed, and the familiar tattoo clearly visible. McIntosh described how the image transformed his life, opening doors to new opportunities, including working with luxury brands such as Gucci. He noted that the photograph had a similar impact to the iconic “Afghan Girl” photo, which helped change the course of many lives. Ventre’s image quickly became a symbol of resilience and quiet strength. It resonated with people far beyond Naples, drawing admiration from tourists and locals alike. A group of Spanish women, searching for typical images of Naples on Instagram, stumbled upon Ventre’s photos and decided to meet him in person. They found him walking along the beach, recognizing him immediately due to his tattoo. One of them, Manuela from Puglia, became his loyal companion, even getting her own tattoo of “Tutto passa” on her wrist. Ventre’s presence on social media platforms like TikTok further amplified his visibility. He collaborated with a local rapper, Geolier, creating a musical clip that blended his personal story with contemporary culture. This exposure led to unexpected opportunities, including being recruited as a representative for a vodka brand and a冰淇淋 company, Algida. Despite these developments, Ventre remains grounded, often returning to his modest home in the working-class neighborhood of Montesanto, where he once worked for the local municipality. Local police officers, Crescenzo and Francesco, have spoken about why Ventre’s image continues to resonate. They say that seeing him reminds people of the meaning behind his tattoo, how it embodies the idea that everything in life is temporary. Many find themselves reflected in his expression and the simplicity of his existence. Ventre, married to Anna, has four children: Gennaro, Mario, Nunzia, and Letizia. His family, though rooted in the past, has witnessed the profound effect his image has had on the wider world.