Robert Capa
A Defender of China
1938
Scroll
Robert Capa
A Defender of China
1938
Physical Qualities
Gelatin silver print, Sheet: 355 x 280 mm. (14 x 11 in.)
Image: 335 x 260 mm. (13 3/16 x 10 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Life Magazine, 1938
Object Number
1977.29.21
When A Defender of China appeared on the cover of Life, it put a human face on war. The soldier’s youth, inexperience, and innocence were emphasized by the accompanying caption which read: “The boy is 15 years old. He is now standing at attention while schoolchildren, only a few years younger, are giving his company a farewell before they leave for the front. This picture was taken at Hankow in March before the great Sino-Japanese battles of the year began. By now he may be dead.”
BMA, "Recent Acquisitions from the Museum's Photograph Collection," 14 June - 6 August, 1978; Traveling 1 September - 3 October, 1978.
Rena Hoisington, BMA, "Looking through the Lens: Photography 1900-1960," 16 March - 8 June 2008.
Rena Hoisington, BMA, "Looking through the Lens: Photography 1900-1960," 16 March - 8 June 2008.
Inscribed: Verso: at upper left, in graphite: "#140 +8 / 1 [1 circled]"; at lower center, in graphite: "Cover - A Defender of China / 5.16.38"
Markings: Verso: at center, stamped in black ink: "PHOTO BY: / PIX PUBLISHING INC. / 250 PARK AVENUE / NEW YORK CITY / TEL. EDORADO 5-4021 / PLEASE CREDIT ROBERT CAPA - PIX / THIS PICTURE IS SOLD TO YOU FOR YOUR / PUBLICATION ONLY AND MUST NOT BE LOANED, SYNDICATED OR USED FOR AD-/VERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT WRITTEN / PERMISSION FROM US."; at lower center, stamped in red ink: "LIFE"
