Richard Peter (1895–1977)

The focus of the dissertation concentrates on the study of the photo book „Dresden – eine Kamera klagt an“ by Richard Peter senior. It begins with the history of the publishing company, via the creation of the book which shows the political influence, the picture sequence and layout, the visual content till the public relations. The photo book was first published in 1950 by “Dresdener Verlagsgesellschaft” with an edition of 50,000 copies. It is part and parcel of the political fostering of the legend of the “old city of Dresden”. The picture sequence with 104 black-and-white photographs is divided into three parts/subject areas: destroyed buildings, the human being as the bomb victim and the reconstruction of the city. The art-historical analysis focuses on the first edition of the book since it is the only edition which has been authorized by the photographer.… (more)