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DPC posted in the group Daily Photo Digest
August Sander. The Boxers, Heim Heese and Paul Roderstein, 1929
Credit: Heritage AuctionsIn the photograph “The Boxers, Hein Heese and Paul Roderstein, 1929”, the renowned German portrait and documentary photographer August Sander offers a raw, unembellished glimpse into the persona of two boxers, captured in their natural disposition. This piece forms part of Sander’s ambitious and transformative project “People of the 20th Century”, a journey he commenced in 1910, aiming to depict individuals within their native environments, categorised based on their professions or predefined roles.
The representation of the boxers in this image embodies a raw yet deeply stirring portrayal, characteristic of Sander’s artistic approach. Standing full-length with their hands resting by their sides, they confront the camera with an undeniable presence. This stance, typical of the series, encourages viewers to appreciate the figures individually and to draw comparisons, fostering speculation about the differing character traits emanating from their physicality.
A striking element of this portrait is its improvisational quality, emphasised by sharp focus that contrasts starkly with the coarse backdrop of a wall. Here, Sander employs a technique he frequently utilised: pairing individuals together in a photograph, fostering deeper engagement and narrative speculation among viewers through the juxtaposition or comparison of the subjects.
However, when viewed through the lens of modern photography, the portrait might appear somewhat flat, particularly when juxtaposed with contemporary portraits enriched with creative lighting and advanced post-processing. The lighting and posing in Sander’s piece might seem flat and boring, but therein lies its beauty. It transports us to a bygone era, untouched by the digital enhancements that are now commonplace.
In reality, this perceived ‘flaw’ might be what grants the image its undeniable allure. It invites viewers to delve deeper, to scrutinise the subjects in the frame earnestly. At times, the intrinsic interest in the subjects surpasses the need for artistic lighting or intricate posing, and despite its apparent simplicity, or perhaps because of it, Sander’s portrait demands attention, compelling us to explore the depth and complexity of the intriguing figures it portrays.
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