Italiaanse militaire staf van de Medische dienst in Cortina d'Ampezzo 1916

This photograph, taken by Henri de Rothschild, captures the Italian military medical staff in Cortina d'Ampezzo. It invites us to consider the intricate relationships between medicine, military service, and national identity during a time of conflict. Rothschild, who lived through both World Wars, would have been acutely aware of the human cost of war, even at a distance. The photograph offers an intimate glimpse into the faces of those tasked with caring for the wounded, and presents a picture of masculinity, class, and service. Each figure stands with a blend of resolve and weariness, their uniforms bearing the weight of responsibility. By looking, we might reflect on the collective experiences of those who served in the medical corps, and the sacrifices they made to support their nation.