The photographic strategy in Face of Our Time revolves around a systematic portrayal of individuals that reflects the societal structure of early 20th century Germany. August Sander’s formal, documentary approach captures a diverse range of people, emphasizing clarity, directness, and an unsentimental gaze.

The images present a spectrum of social types and professions—workers, craftsmen, the bourgeoisie, and artists—arranged with a meticulous compositional balance that highlights their social roles without embellishment. This methodical arrangement invites viewers to consider identity through class, occupation, and personality within the historical context.

Published in 2008, the 144-page volume consolidates Sander’s portraits into a coherent visual archive, illustrating his ambition to create an objective record of his time.