21. Chateau-Thierry. Hill 204 and Valley of the Marne

21. Chateau-Thierry. Hill 204 and Valley of the Marne

A photograph mounted in a scrapbook by an unidentified person. The scrapbook has 96 photographs. Title is the caption given for the photograph. Stamp on back "Photographie Artifact. Ehrhard 20, Avenue des Petite-pres. 28 Chateau-Thierry" Image has been digitally altered for clarity.

This picture is amazing when you really think about its significance. The photographer likely had no idea that a large campaign deciding the fate of Europe would be fought in this exact area. The photo is likely from before the German army put the Schlieffen plan into motion, as the land is unscarred and undamaged. It seems as if life is almost normal, the town is small but in a beautiful valley. Despite our knowledge of what is to come, the French countryside remains attractive, the buildings are appealing and the river clear. However, the town is in the background, and in the foreground is a large gathering of dead trees on barren land. This seems almost like a forecast of what is to come, the alluring town in the background, likely with people going about their day to day business, but in front of the viewer an ominous omen overcast on the village, unaware of what is to come.

Unknown

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

McFarlin Library. Department of Special Collections and University Archives. The University of Tulsa.

1914-1918

photo

2002-009-1-91.jpg

France

Photo

18 x 13 cm