Circus People in the 1930s were an attractive lot, for us at Mimi Berlin that is. We tracked down some portraits, during work and during time off. Especially when viewing the portraits by August Sander it get’s clear that working for the circus in those days was a hard job. (guess that hasn’t changed much) The contradiction between the glamour front stage and the life backstage, with it’s torn clothes and sloppy make-up is so huge! But we think both sides are equally interesting, what do you think?
The Cairolis; Porto, Jean-Marie Cairoli and Carletto Cairoli (c.1930) — Photo: Fréjaville Collection (via circopedia.org Yes Circopedia!)
August Sander (1876-1964) is known as the first modern portrait and documentary photographer, and one of the most important German portrait photographer of the early twentieth century. You can see his influence in, for instance, the work of Diane Arbus (via anthonylukephotography) PS: Do visit Anthony Luke’s blog he has a wonderful collection…