The german photographer August Sander documented a cross-section of his countrymen between the wars. His systematic accounting of the German people resulted in hundreds of portraits categorized by occupation and social standing. These ultimately comprised his massive book People of the Twentieth Century. This image of his friend Heinrich Hoerle, which emphasizes the painter's gaunt visage and wary expression, is an unusually close-up view for a photographer who favored full- or half-length poses. Produced with a large-format camera and lengthy exposures, Sander's direct, unretouched likenesses reflect a deep and nuanced understanding of Weimar culture.

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