Germany between the two World Wars is the fascinating theme which has opened at the Tate Liverpool.

A changing country is seen through the eyes of a painter and a photographer.

Painter Otto Dix (1891-1969) joins August Sander (1976-1964).

Images in both genres are stunning and one complements the other.

Portraying a Nation: Germany 1919-1933 is an intriguing art chronicle of the Weimar Republic – a time in history that saw such radical extremes and social upheaval.

It is a brilliant concept from the Tate – bringing Dix and Sander together for the first time both were unique commentators on an age that changed the world.

Society is seen through very different eyes and through more than 300 paintings, drawings, prints and photographs.

Otto Dix: The Evil Eye is the painter’s depictions of German society and as he was a soldier in the Somme he provides a graphic take on the horrors of the First World War and he came one of the ‘New Objectivity’ school.

It also focuses on his year in Dusseldorf from 1922 to 1925. Dix painted people from the respected side of society to those in brothels.

A lot of his work was confiscated by the Nazis and featured in an exhibition on degenerate art. There are four on display here.

Artist Rooms: August Sander presents black and white images from the prolific photographer’s series ‘People of the Twentieth Century.’ It is a cross-section of striking portraits which he started in 1910 and which occupied his time until the 1950s. He shows people from all walks of life including young children from the rich to the poor.

What shines through is his ability to capture real personalities.

There is an overlaying feeling of seriousness in his portraits that show despite their class everyone was equal through his lenses.

Indeed every picture tells a story with Dix and Sanders.

The ambitious task involved 600 images – the gallery features 140 of what he called ‘types’ - no names just real people with job titles - musicians, circus workers, farmers and most telling and chilling - in the late 30s - images of Nazi officers.

One says simply ‘The Head of Department of Culture’ 1938. It is a silent portrait that speaks volumes of the shape of things to come.

The Tate curators have done a superb job with the information alongside the displays.

This living history lesson through the eyes of two vitally important figures in German art runs until October 15.

Powerful and Utterly Compelling.

For all information visit http://www.tate.org.uk/