Italiaanse Bersaglieri poserend voor hun barakken in de Dolomieten 1916

This sepia-toned photograph by Henri de Rothschild captures a group of Italian Bersaglieri posing in front of their barracks in the Dolomites. The image evokes a sense of camaraderie among these soldiers. I wonder, what was going through Henri’s head as he looked at the group of soldiers? The soldiers who served in the war, were most likely just young adults, just discovering life, yet put on a battlefield. The sepia tones lend a softness, but the men remain stoic. I wonder if the artist considered how to translate the feelings and emotions in his work? He probably had to think on his feet and be creative. It reminds me of being in the studio, trying to make something new and original, but the world is already so full of things and ideas! Yet, we have to keep going. I think of Henri and the other painters and image-makers out there, all in this continuous conversation, and it’s inspiring. I feel connected to the artwork through that sentiment.