The Valley of the Shadow of Death 1855

Roger Fenton's "The Valley of the Shadow of Death" (1855) is a powerful photograph from the Crimean War, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago. This haunting image depicts a desolate valley littered with cannonballs, starkly highlighting the devastating impact of war. Fenton's composition, using the deep valley and the scattered cannonballs as a focal point, creates a sense of foreboding and emphasizes the scale of destruction. The image's starkness and realism challenged the traditional view of war, and its impact continues to resonate with viewers today.