A barren, lifeless ravine is scattered with dark, round cannonballs. A rough dirt road winds through the scene to meet the desolate sky in this black-and-white photo.

Question

A barren, lifeless ravine is scattered with dark, round cannonballs. A rough dirt road winds through the scene to meet the desolate sky in this black-and-white photo.

Valley of the Shadow of Death
by Roger Fenton

Digital image courtesy of the Getty’s Open Content Program

Question
How does Roger Fenton use visual composition in Valley of the Shadow of Death to depict the loss of war?
(1 point)
Responses

Cannonballs in a barren landscape celebrate the glory of battle.
Cannonballs in a barren landscape celebrate the glory of battle.

Cannonballs are a reminder of a victorious battle.
Cannonballs are a reminder of a victorious battle.

Cannonballs in the barren landscape are a symbol of war.
Cannonballs in the barren landscape are a symbol of war.

Cannonballs in a barren landscape hint at the missing dead.

Answer 1

Cannonballs in a barren landscape hint at the missing dead. Roger Fenton's use of visual composition in Valley of the Shadow of Death depicts the loss of war by emphasizing the emptiness and devastation left behind by conflict. The dark, round cannonballs scattered in the lifeless ravine serve as a stark reminder of the lives lost in battle, highlighting the grim reality of war and its aftermath. The rough dirt road winding through the scene adds to the sense of desolation, leading the viewer's eye to the desolate sky above. Overall, the composition conveys a somber and haunting atmosphere that captures the tragic consequences of war.