“Bauhaus Stairway,” painted by Oskar Schlemmer in 1932, is an oil on canvas artwork that is a notable example of the Constructivism and Cubism art movements. This genre painting, housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US, encapsulates the dynamic and architectural intricacies characteristic of Bauhaus design principles.
The artwork depicts a group of figures ascending and descending a stairway within what seems to be a modern, geometric interior. The figures are stylized in a manner that emphasizes their form and movement rather than individual features, reflecting the Cubist and Constructivist influence. The staircase itself serves as a central element, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition and highlighting the architectural space. The use of muted tones combined with vibrant touches of color adds depth and rhythm to the scene, seamlessly integrating the human elements with their environment.
