August Sander

Definition

August Sander was a German photographer known for his portraits that depicted the diversity of German society in the early 20th century. His work is often associated with the New Objectivity movement, which emphasized a straightforward and documentary style, aiming to capture the essence of people in their social contexts. Sander's most notable project, 'People of the 20th Century', aimed to classify and document various social types, reflecting the complexities of human identity in a rapidly changing world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sander's work was influenced by the socio-political climate of post-World War I Germany, reflecting the diverse layers of society during a time of change.
2. His most famous project, 'People of the 20th Century', consists of over 600 images that document various professions and social classes.
3. Sander's approach combined technical precision with a keen sense of empathy for his subjects, making his portraits powerful representations of individual identities.
4. He believed that photography could serve as a means of understanding society and its complexities, often grouping his subjects into categories like farmers, workers, and artists.
5. Sander's legacy has had a lasting impact on portrait photography and has influenced generations of photographers interested in social documentation.

Review Questions

• How did August Sander's work reflect the principles of New Objectivity in photography?
  • August Sander's work embodies the principles of New Objectivity by showcasing clear and straightforward representations of people from various social backgrounds. He utilized a documentary style that focused on realism and avoided romanticism or idealization. This objective approach allowed viewers to see the genuine complexities of individuals within their social contexts, aligning perfectly with the New Objectivity movement's goal to present unembellished truths about society.
• Discuss the significance of Sander's 'People of the 20th Century' project in understanding German society during his time.
  • Sander's 'People of the 20th Century' is significant because it provides an extensive visual record of German society in the early 1900s, capturing a wide array of professions and social classes. Through this project, he documented not only individuals but also the social dynamics and class structures present at that time. The series serves as a historical artifact that allows contemporary viewers to understand how identity was constructed within various social frameworks during a transformative era in Germany.
• Evaluate how August Sander’s approach to portrait photography has influenced contemporary practices in documentary photography.
  • August Sander’s approach has profoundly influenced contemporary documentary photography by establishing a framework for capturing authentic human experiences within their societal contexts. His emphasis on clarity and objectivity inspires modern photographers to engage deeply with their subjects while aiming to represent reality without distortion. This legacy encourages today's photographers to explore themes of identity and diversity through thoughtful documentation, promoting an understanding of individuals within larger cultural narratives.

Related terms

New Objectivity:

An artistic movement that emerged in Germany during the 1920s, characterized by a focus on realism, clarity, and an objective approach to art and photography.

Documentary Photography: A genre of photography that aims to provide a factual representation of events, environments, and people, often used to tell stories about social issues and cultural changes.

Social Types: Categories or classifications of individuals based on their social roles, professions, and lifestyles, which Sander aimed to represent through his photographic portraits.