August Sander (1876–1964)

In 1975, German readers were introduced to the Rheinlandschaften, a collection of stunning images of the Rhineland captured in the first half of the twentieth century by photographer August Sander (1876–1964). This fresh edition, now in English, brings Sander’s work to a new audience and into our own time.

These photographs showcase a variety of scenes, from a sunrise over Cologne to the slopes of the Rhine valley. The Rhine River flows through many of these pictures, its dynamic curves and lively current leading the eye through an intriguing mix of natural and urban landscapes. A new essay by art historian Wolfgang Kemp provides context for Sander’s work while introducing his contemporaries, including the writer Hans Ludwig Mathar and the painter Franz M. Jansen. Also explored are the ties between Sander’s landscapes and his portrait photography, which is celebrated worldwide. Crucially, Kemp highlights the need to consider the Rhineland’s unique political situation in the 1920s and 1930s for any discussion of Sander’s artistic approach.

Shining welcome light on the full range of Sander’s practice, this book offers a glorious journey through the landscapes that most affected him.… (more)

One has to spend time with these volumes to appreciate their contents and the accomplishments of producing them. The reproductions are remarkably fine. One of the greatest masters of the posed photographic portrait, Sander deserves this kind of attention to his effort. Rarely does a concept as grand as Sander's get so far in its execution, so well edited, preserved and finely reproduced for significant distribution (the volumes are tri-lingual). His project, "to get a total picture of society" was. of course, impossible. But in his reach he created a masterwork that stands out in the history of photography. With costume, pose, and environment, he bares the question, how much understanding can photography communicate with just these elements? To suggest any answer requires a serious study of these fine seven volumes.… (more)