Contribution Receipt of the Special American Hospital in Paris for Wounds of the Face and Jaw 1916

This etching, made by Auguste Rodin, serves as a receipt for contributions to the American Hospital in Paris, dedicated to treating facial and jaw injuries. Observe the image of the upper man: his is surrounded by radiating lines, evocative of a halo or nimbus, a visual device that dates back to ancient Hellenistic art and was adopted by Christianity to signify holiness or divinity. Here, the halo suggests a sense of honor and perhaps a near-spiritual reverence. The presence of this symbolic corona invites us to contemplate the cultural memory of heroism and sacrifice, connecting the injured soldier to centuries of venerated figures. The halo, though rooted in religious art, has also appeared in secular contexts to denote exceptional individuals or ideals. Its cyclical reappearance speaks to the human need to elevate and immortalize those we deem worthy. Consider how such visual motifs resonate, evolving in meaning while retaining their power to evoke deep emotional responses. It is a testament to the enduring impact of symbols on our collective psyche.