This photograph by Joe Rosenthal represents an artistic response to war as it depicts a heroic story of courage and unified efforts of several United States (U.S.) Marines in the victorious process of placing the U.S. flag over the harsh terrain of Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima. The image captures a moment in time of calamity and despair turned to victory; thus, through the emphasis of line, color, and shape, the image is brought to life and tells its own story.
A story of comradery and strength is depicted through the lines that delineate what is being said. The diagonal position of the flag implies that is being moved, this motion is reinforced by the upright hyperextended position of some of the soldiers, which implies that strength is needed in their collaborative efforts to raise the flag. Additionally, their bodies appear to lean forward simultaneously in an opposite direction of the flag; hence, the lines that outline the musculature of their bending knees demonstrates the strength that is used in working arduously towards the same goal. The lines that make up the earth beneath their feet are irregular and broken, which illustrate a harsh terrain, that makes the…show more content… The gloomy appearance of the sky to the right side of the image, contrasts the clarity of the left side, reasserting to the viewer that it was a windy day. This notion is strengthen by the clarity of the line that defines the horizon, which is not visible as you scan the image to the right. Moreover, the dark and ashy colors intensify the notion that a war has taken place. Their clothes appear to be filthy and their shoes uncommonly worn out, as if from far away distance their journey was made, tumultuously then peaceful just for this glorious
