Hans Hurler (1915)

Hans Hurler (1915)

Foreign Soldier

This is a photo of Hans Hurler taken in 1915. He was a part of Kaiser's Infantry and most likely was apart of a Bavarian regiment. After surviving the war, he came to the United States where he became a baker in Philadelphia. His stance and expression seem to convey a bravery and confidence that was typical of war propaganda. It would be safe to say that these types of photos were, themselves, propaganda. They do not accurately portray the war these soldiers were heading off to fight in. There is a peaceful, calm background with rolling hills and plenty of trees and foliage. The trenches, No Man's Land, the blood, tears, and death are not pictured. This photo is very ordered as opposed to the chaos of warfare. Everything about his up-right stance, proud shoulders, and even his direct eye contact with the camera comes across as confident and strong. Hurler's face is seemingly expressionless as opposed to smiling or grimacing. This conveys a sense of focus and drive rather than the fear and vulnerability that would have been a more accurate portrayal of the soldiers' emotional states.

McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tulsa. 2933 E.
6th St. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-3123

1915

Photograph

2010.34.1

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Germany

photo of Hans Hurler