War: Germany. Berlin. Prussian Guard Regiment: Life in a Regiment of the Prussian Guard: In the Guard House. c. 1903

Editor: This photograph by Waldemar Titzenthaler, titled "War: Germany. Berlin. Prussian Guard Regiment: Life in a Regiment of the Prussian Guard: In the Guard House," shows two scenes of soldiers in what appears to be their barracks. It’s interesting to see them both at attention and seemingly at rest. What can we say about the context of this image? Curator: Consider the socio-political climate of pre-war Germany. The Prussian Guard represented the elite military power, heavily romanticized and crucial to national identity. Images like these served a powerful propaganda role, both internally and externally. How do you think the photographer wanted the public to view the military? Editor: Perhaps, he wanted to showcase both the rigor and the downtime, a complete picture of their service? Curator: Exactly. This duality served to humanize the soldiers while reinforcing the discipline and order that were the bedrock of Prussian military power. A very calculated image, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely. I hadn't thought about the propaganda aspect so directly, but it makes perfect sense!