|
|
|
| First Aid Station |
Lester G. Hornby
(1882-1956) |
|
Acquisition Number: 2012.1166.22
Medium: Etching on Paper
Status: Reproduction Available - Click Here
The Meuse-Argonne offensive, a major push by the Allies against the Central Powers, lasted until the end of the war. Field hospitals had to be moved quickly and reestablished wherever a relatively safe place could be found to provide care to the thousands of incoming wounded. Hornby’s caption reflects this need to convert any protected area into an aid station. He wrote: “First Aid Station in an abandoned Hun gun-pit, Argonne, 1918.” In this work, he placed emphasis on the dark opaque opening of the gun pit, where men with various wounds are gathered. It is a visual metaphor of how the survivors of horrific battles–wounded and shell shocked–are slowing coming out to the light of day. To the side, almost in shadow, are the incoming wounded.
Gift of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
|
|
