Soldier
gelatin silver print

August Sander (1876-1964)

I must confess that August Sander is my favourite photographer. Seemingly nothing more than snapshots, Sander's photographs portray all of his subjects simply, without artifice, but with great dignity. Not much more can be asked of a photograph, or of a portrait.

Sander strikes me as the photographic equivalent of Velazquez. The same compassion and empathy are evident in the work of both artists.

Two other Sander photographs are posted below.

Fine Art Photography has a particularly good portfolio of Sander's work.