Suffering and Sentiment in Romantic Military Art

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Focusing on the often-overlooked common soldier, this study by Philip Shaw explores Romantic-era representations of death and injury through diverse media such as paintings, political writings, anti-war poetry, and early photography. By analyzing soldiers' and surgeons' letters and journals, Shaw reveals evolving perceptions of suffering and challenges traditional views of nobility and heroism associated with war. His work highlights the complexities of human experience in times of conflict, offering a fresh perspective on historical narratives.