Dimensions: height 85 mm, width 170 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This stereo card, by Realistic Travels, shows an injured soldier being carried to an aid post, I think. You can see the scene in 3D if you have the right viewer. It’s all in grayscale, and the stark contrast gives it a documentary feel. The photo is sharply focused, capturing every detail of the trench: the rough texture of the earth, the tangled barbed wire, and the weary faces of the soldiers. There is a tonal range, from the highlights on the helmets to the deep shadows in the trench. The grain of the print adds a tactile quality. The word ‘Aidpost’ is on a little sign, maybe a found piece of wood. The whole thing is very affecting. The scene is reminiscent of other artists who explore themes of war and suffering, like Kathe Kollwitz. This little card embraces ambiguity, leaving room for us to contemplate the human cost of conflict.
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