August Sander: Landscapes

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 (18761964). This fresh edition, now in English, brings Sanders 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 Sanders work while introducing his contemporaries, including the writer Hans Ludwig Mathar and the painter Franz M. Jansen. Also explored are the ties between Sanders landscapes and his portrait photography, which is celebrated worldwide. Crucially, Kemp highlights the need to consider the Rhinelands unique political situation in the 1920s and 1930s for any discussion of Sanders artistic approach.

Shining welcome light on the full range of Sanders practice, this book offers a glorious journey through the landscapes that most affected him.