An Army Smithy in the Marne Valley 1918

"An Army Smithy in the Marne Valley" is an etching created in 1918 by British artist Lester George Hornby (1882-1956). Depicting a scene from World War I, the etching showcases a group of soldiers in the Marne Valley, France, where a blacksmith is shoeing a horse while others wait. The composition is dynamic and uses light and shadow to emphasize the stark realities of war. The artist's keen eye for detail is evident in the intricate rendering of the figures, equipment, and surroundings, capturing the grit and determination of those serving in the trenches.