Sin título (Milicianos en un trinchera) (Untitled [Militiamen in a trench]) 1937 - 1938

Kati Horna made this photograph, ‘Untitled (Militiamen in a trench)’, using gelatin silver. The photograph presents a scene of war, but also an intense study of form and texture. Look closely at the granular quality of the print, how it captures the rough texture of the sandbags, the weathered metal of the machine gun, and the sweat on the bare-chested militiaman. The blacks aren’t velvety or smooth, and this gives the picture a tangible feel, like you could reach out and touch the grit and grime of the trench. Horna has created a composition which really draws you into the scene. The hard lines of the machine gun contrast with the soft focus on the figures, making them seem vulnerable. This photo reminds me of Robert Capa’s images of war, but with a more intimate feel, as if Horna was not just documenting but also empathizing with her subjects. The image raises questions about the artist’s role in bearing witness to history, and the challenges of representing violence and human suffering with sensitivity.