Gisèle Freund and the 1st of May 1932
Gisèle Freund and the 1st of May 1932
January 7, 2015
Gisèle Freund, “Red” students’ group in Alte Mainzer Gasse
Frankfurt am Main, 1 May 1932
hmf © bpk / IMEC, Fonds MCC / Gisèle Freund
A unique witness to history
Through the lens of Freund's camera, the viewer is at the same eye level as the demonstrators, watching the different left-wing demonstrators marching through Frankfurt with protest signs and flags. The right-wing participants – including members of the student corps – are demonstrating under police protection.
At the Opernplatz and at Römerberg, the photographer focusses on the political speakers and on the masses of listeners. Proving her photographic eye for scenes and stories, Freund's pictures are a unique historic testimonial, which – after she fled to Paris – made her into one of the most important photographers of the 20th century.
Further information at: Historisches Museum Frankfurt
Gisèle Freund, “Red” students’ group in Alte Mainzer Gasse
Frankfurt am Main, 1 May 1932
hmf © bpk / IMEC, Fonds MCC / Gisèle Freund
Gisèle Freund, Communist speaker at the rally in front of the Opernhaus
Frankfurt am Main, 1 May 1932
hmf © bpk / IMEC, Fonds MCC / Gisèle Freund