Machine-Gun by C.R.W. Nevinson

While browsing the Internets various array of wonderful images I came across this striking image depicting three gunman in what appear to be in the middle of combat. Indeed, this pictures seems to have taken place during the early 20th century based on the uniforms that these soldiers are wearing. After looking at it for a bit, I slowly realized that I had definitely seen this picture before. In a frantic search, I finally discovered that this very picture is on the cover page for Chapter 27 (oddly enough). Feeling the urge to learn more, I researched a bit on the artist, C.R.W. Nevinson, which ultimately lead to telling me that Nevinson was in fact the son of a very famous war correspondent and British campaigning journalist, Henry Nevinson. For me, the personal connection that the artist shares with his father truly is shown in his work. The colors used throughout the painting are dark, and grim, surely representing the terror and severity of the war. The soldiers themselves are emotionless, almost robotic in nature (with the man in the middle seeming to almost "be one" with the gun). Another interesting element of this picture is the presence of the large machine fun in the center, a new and innovative aspect of the war. The machine gun made fighting much easier, with its ability to fire several rounds, and besides periodic cooling periods (and manned properly), it could almost be fired at any given time. Overall, this picture obviously reeks the stench of war. The colors, the harsh shading, and obvious hatred on the soldiers faces truly symbolizes the treacherous nature of the first world war.