August Sander - Gasmen 1932

Inkjet print, 2015
Authorized, titled, dated and numbered on a certificate
Paper size: 29 x 24,2 cm / image size: 25,8 x 21 cm
Edition of 150
© Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur – August Sander Archive, Cologne; Pictoright, Amsterdam, 2018

This image stems from an original silver gelatine print that August Sander made from a large-format glass plate negative, which is part of the August Sander Archive at Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur, Cologne.

ABOUT THE WORK
August Sander developed his concept for People of the 20th Century in the mid-twenties. His plan was to mirror his day and age in around six hundred photographs divided into seven groups with a total of forty-five thematic portfolios on various professional and social groups. For this purpose, he drew on commissioned photographs as well as pictures he had taken on a freelance basis. The latter was the case when someone caught his attention who was missing in his work of portraiture and represented a specific type, such as presumably the gasmen.
The floor and the curtain behind the two men indicate that the picture was taken in Sander’s studio. They may have rung the studio doorbell in order to read the gas meter in the basement and the photographer took advantage of the opportunity to take their portrait and asked them in. This was not unusual for Sander. For example, he also compiled a portfolio that he labelled People Who Came to My Door.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
August Sander (1876-1964) is famous for the extensive series of portraits from the project Menschen des 20 Jahrhunderts (People of the 20th Century). With this extensive collection, Sander attempted to portray all walks of life in the first half of 20th-century Germany. In December 2006, Foam presented a retrospective of work by August Sander.

ABOUT BUYING THIS PRINT
This photo print has a small white border around all sides. For a framer this border is necessary to be able to frame it properly. The print will be carefully wrapped and send as an insured package. You will receive an e-mail with a Track & Trace code when the package is on its way. A framed copy is often on display at Foam Editions, the gallery on the third floor of Foam Fotografiemuseum.
For more information or questions about buying this print, please contact the Foam Editions team.

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