| Popis: |
As military professionals operate in a complex environment full of confusing and contradictory visual (dis)information, academically trained officers, at least, should possess an awareness of the consequences of ‘manoeuvring’ in this equally allusive and persuasive domain of visual rhetoric. In this domain, so-called ‘iconic images’ can transfer important (political) messages and therefore may be used to influence all those involved in conflicts. In this chapter we argue that studying relationships between form, content and function in iconic images of war positively enhances our cadets’ and midshipmen’s understanding of the complex nature of conflict, war and warfare and the responsibilities of the officer therein. A true ‘thinking soldier’ also needs critical tools from the toolbox of the (art) historian. |
