Wehrmacht soldaten op mars 1941 - 1944

This photograph, "Wehrmacht soldaten op mars," of unknown origin, captures soldiers on the move. The stark monochrome flattens the scene, emphasizing the relentless line of figures stretching into the distance. Look closely at the way the light catches the helmets, a series of small glimmers against the dark uniforms. There’s a chilling uniformity, a loss of individual identity in the relentless march. The artist—or documentarian—has captured not just an image, but an ominous feeling. It's about the weight of history, the way power operates. Thinking about artists like Gerhard Richter, who also grappled with photographic source material and the weight of history, you begin to see that the image acts as more than just a historical document. It's a reflection on how we process and understand these events, acknowledging that fixed interpretations can be dangerous. It allows space for the uncomfortable ambiguity inherent in our understanding of the past.