Taken from the last years of Imperial Germany, and through the Weimar Republic into the Nazi era, these rarely seen images by pioneering portrait photographer August Sander highlight just how wide his range was
A new exhibition marking the photographer's 150th anniversary digs into the lesser-known corners of his archive
August Sander, a pioneering portrait photographer, is renowned for his extensive work cataloguing various aspects of 20th-century society. The new exhibition, "August Sander: On His 150th Birthday," celebrates his 150th birth anniversary and showcases his impressive range. This exhibition primarily features images from the foundation's vast Sander archive, established in 1992.
One of the exhibited pieces is a photo of a farming couple, weathered and hard-working, along with another of an artistic trio. These images provide a glimpse into different social types and trades, a hallmark of Sander's People of the 20th Century series. His method of creating formal documents, social observations, and personal affections has influenced numerous photographers, including Diane Arbus and Bernd and Hilla Becher.
Sander's work is characterized by his attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. He wasn't just cataloging German types; he was also observing and paying close attention to everyone he photographed. This is evident in his series Studien, der Mensch (Studies, the Human Being) and Mensch und Maschine (Man and Machine), where hands are a recurring motif.
The exhibition also highlights Sander's time in Cologne, where he lived and worked for over 30 years. A new series of images featuring his family home and studio offers a personal insight into his life. Additionally, the exhibition touches on Sander's trip to Sardinia in 1927 and his Rhine and Siebengebirge landscapes, complemented by recent images by photographer Gerhard Fleischer.
Visitors can enjoy this comprehensive look at Sander's work at Die Photographische Sammlung/ Stiftung Kultur der Sparkasse KölnBonn in Cologne until January 24. The admission fee is €7.50, with concessions available at €4.50, and free entry on the first Thursday of every month.
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