AUGUST SANDER (1876–1964)

AUGUST SANDER (1876–1964) 'Mädchen im Kirmeswagen' (Girl in Fairground Caravan), Cologne 1926/32 Image Size: 57,9 x 44,4 cm Gelatin silver print, printed 1990 by Gerd Sander on double-weight semi-matte paper, in perfect condition. Blindstamped "Aug. Sander Köln Lindenthal" in the lower left, signed and dated by Gerd Sander in pencil on the reverse, copyright and "August Sander Menschen des 20. Jahrhunderts" edition stamp with handwritten notations and edition no. "3/12" also on the reverse. LITERATURE Gunther Sander, Ulrich Keller (eds.), August Sander, Menschen des 20. Jahrhunderts, Munich 1980, p. 349; Manfred Heiting (ed.), August Sander 1876-1964, Cologne 1999, p. 137. Sander's approach to his subjects, a mixture of sensitivity and sociological objectivity, is particularly evident in this motif: framed by the geometric order of the picture frame and the caravan window, the girl stands on the threshold between a dark interior and the bright outside world – a dynamic reminiscent of the camera's mechanism of reproducing an image through light. The child looks at the photographer (and thus the viewers) as if she were watching him. With her fingers she clutches a door key – perhaps she is about to step into the light, perhaps she is removing the key to protect herself from intruders. The iconic motif is in renowned museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum New York. The print offered here is of exceptional quality.