Bricklayer (1928) – August Sander

Lensman August Sander was most remembered for his portraits, including this piece called Bricklayer. The Herdorf, Germany-born, wanted to show everyone from all walks of life in the same manner, aiming to tell his viewers that there are many more layers than they know.

This man from Cologne, Germany, worked tirelessly as a bricklayer, but he showed a proud expression in this striking shot. Sander’s works, particularly portraits like Young Farmers and Pastrycook, were published in People of the 20th Century, although some of his negatives were burned. Nonetheless, his collection celebrated the faces of ordinary people.