Grotesque

1923

Takes over the theatre workshop from Lothar Schreyer

In 1923 Schlemmer becomes Master of Form at the Bauhaus theatre workshop, taking it over from Lothar Schreyer. His complex ideas prove influential, making him one of the most important teachers at the school at that time.

1923

The influence of Metaphysical painting

From 1923 Schlemmer’s style is strongly influenced by Metaphysical painting (Pittura Metafisica): the number of figures in his pictures noticeably decreases, and they are arranged on a clearly divided surface in a choreographic order that reflects universal harmony. The National Gallery in Berlin and the Folkwang Museum in Essen acquire works from this period, and recognition and fame come to the artist.

1929

Leaves the Bauhaus and moves to Breslau

Because of the heightened political atmosphere in Germany at the end of the 1920s, and in particular the appointment of the Marxist architect Hannes Meyer as Gropius’s successor, Schlemmer resigns from the Bauhaus and takes a job at the Breslau Academy of Art and Applied Art.

1933

Forced to resign from the Berlin school under Nazi pressure

After the National Socialists come to power in 1933, Schlemmer’s contract with the Berlin United Schools of Art is terminated and he is forced to resign under pressure from the Nazis. His style changes too: the works become smaller, the figures move closer together, and the forms become softer and rounder, in warm, often dark colours.

1937

Banned from exhibiting; shown in “Degenerate Art”

In 1937 Schlemmer is forbidden to take part in art exhibitions, and five of his pictures are shown at the Degenerate Art exhibition in Munich.

13. April 1943

Died