Photographer Gives Everyone Their Dignity

August Sander's Yale show humanizes 20th century Germany -- and perhaps today's U.S.?

By: Brian Slattery

Outlets: Midbrow

Published: March 30, 2026

Words: 1,409

Last Updated: 2 months, 1 week ago

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August Sander
People of the 20th Century
Yale University Art Gallery
New Haven
Through June 28

The photograph gives only the title of her occupation — secretary at a radio station — but the image makes clear that the woman is not defined by her job. Her personality leaps from every detail, from her haircut and her aggressive sense of style to her body language, the way she holds her cigarette, the way she's perched in her chair, that glint …

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