Beställ en reproduktion av Thomas Flake and Hannes Meyer (during inspection of the building site for the ADGB Trade Union School in Bernau)

A Moment Frozen in Modernist History

In this evocative black and white photograph from 1928, we are transported to a pivotal moment of architectural anticipation. Captured by the lens of Erich Consemüller, the image depicts Thomas Flake and Hannes Meyer during an inspection of the building site for the ADGB Trade Union School in Bernau. There is a profound sense of gravity in their stance; as they stand amidst the raw landscape, one can almost feel the weight of the future pressing upon the earth beneath them. The composition, though simple, carries the immense intellectual energy of the Bauhaus era, where every line and structure was being reimagined to serve a new, socialized way of living.

The photograph transcends mere documentation, offering a window into the collaborative spirit of the Weimar Republic's avant-garde. The interplay of light and shadow across the figures creates a dramatic texture, highlighting the ruggedness of the construction site against the contemplative presence of the two men. Consemüller’s mastery lies in his ability to capture not just the physical subjects, but the atmosphere of progress and the quiet intensity of architectural planning. For the collector, this piece serves as more than an image; it is a fragment of a revolutionary era, preserved in silver and light.

The Intersection of Craft and Vision

To understand the soul of this photograph, one must look to the hands that held the camera. Erich Consemüller was not merely an observer but a participant in the architectural dialogue of his time. His background in carpentry and his training at the Bauhaus provided him with a unique, tactile understanding of space and material. This technical intimacy is visible in how he frames the scene—treating the landscape and the figures as structural elements within a larger, unfolding design. The starkness of the monochrome palette strips away the distractions of color, forcing the viewer to focus on the essential forms: the silhouette of a hat, the heavy drape of a coat, and the distant, skeletal promise of trees.

The historical context of the ADGB Trade Union School adds a layer of profound symbolism to the work. As a project intended to embody the ideals of social progress and functionalist design, the site being inspected was a laboratory for modern living. In this light, Flake and Meyer are not just men on a field; they are architects of a new social order. The photograph captures the tension between the natural world and the encroaching industrial modernity, a theme that resonates deeply with contemporary viewers who find beauty in the raw, unadorned truth of structural beginnings.

A Timeless Addition to the Modern Interior

For the discerning interior designer or art enthusiast, this reproduction offers an unparalleled opportunity to introduce historical depth and intellectual rigor into a curated space. The monochromatic elegance of Consemüller’s work makes it a versatile masterpiece, capable of anchoring a minimalist gallery wall or providing a sophisticated focal point in a study filled with mid-century modern furniture. Its presence evokes a sense of nostalgia for the era of "form follows function," bringing an air of academic prestige and quiet contemplation to any room.

Owning a high-quality reproduction of this photograph is an invitation to engage with the legacy of the Bauhaus movement every day. It is a piece that rewards repeated viewing, revealing new nuances in its shadows and textures each time. Whether placed in a contemporary loft or a classic library, this work stands as a testament to the enduring power of architectural vision and the timeless beauty of the photographic medium.

Liknande konstverk

Om konstnären

Early Life and Education

Erich Consemüller (10 October 1902 — 11 April 1957) was born in Bielefeld, Germany—a city steeped in Saxon tradition—and spent his formative years honing his craft in carpentry. This early apprenticeship instilled a foundational understanding of material and construction that would profoundly inform his later architectural endeavors. Attending evening classes at the Bielefeld School of Arts and Crafts (now Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences) further broadened his artistic horizons, fostering an appreciation for craftsmanship alongside theoretical exploration. It was here that he began to cultivate his passion for design and visual communication—a passion that would ultimately propel him toward a pivotal role in shaping the Bauhaus movement.Cite Note: Dolgner, Klaus (2015). Bauhaus: Art, Design and Culture 1919–1933. Taschen.

The Bauhaus Years

Consemüller’s life took an extraordinary turn in 1922 when he joined the Bauhaus school in Weimar—a crucible of artistic innovation founded by Walter Gropius. Immediately immersing himself in the teachings of luminaries like Johannes Itten, Paul Klee, and Wassily Kandinsky, Consemüller embarked on a transformative journey that would define his artistic identity. He excelled in furniture design under Gropius’s guidance, mastering techniques rooted in geometric precision and functional elegance—principles central to Bauhaus’s ethos.Cite Note: Bauhaus Dessau Foundation. His involvement extended beyond the workshop; he meticulously documented the school's activities through photography, capturing the energy of collaborative experimentation and the evolving aesthetic sensibilities of its students. Approximately 300 photographs produced during this period stand as enduring testaments to Consemüller’s dedication to preserving the Bauhaus legacy.Cite Note: Tate Britain Notably, he collaborated on iconic projects like the Theatre Cafe in Dessau—a daring reimagining of public space—and contributed significantly to the ADGB Trade Union School project in Bernau bei Berlin.

Photographic Contributions and Style

Consemüller’s photographic work exemplifies Bauhaus’s commitment to documenting reality with uncompromising clarity and artistic vision. His images, particularly “Bauhaus Scene,” are instantly recognizable for their masterful composition—featuring Marcel Breuer's Wassily Chair alongside Oskar Schlemmer’s theatrical mask and Lis Beyer-Volger’s dress.Cite Note: Museum of Modern Art These photographs aren’t merely representations; they convey a palpable sense of atmosphere and intellectual engagement. Consemüller skillfully employed lighting and framing to emphasize the interplay between form and function—a hallmark of Bauhaus aesthetics.Lucia Moholy, his fellow photographer at Bauhaus, recognized Consemüller's talent for capturing the essence of architectural spaces and human interaction. His photographs are now housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation.

Post-Bauhaus Career and Legacy

Following his departure from Weimar in 1929, Consemüller continued to practice architecture, collaborating with Hans Wittwer’s office in Halle (Saale) and teaching at Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle. He embraced Bauhaus principles—particularly the importance of experimentation and social responsibility—throughout his professional life.Cite Note: Getty Museum His architectural designs reflected a restrained elegance, prioritizing simplicity and functionality while incorporating innovative materials and techniques. Consemüller’s influence extended beyond academia; he mentored aspiring architects and championed the pursuit of artistic excellence.Thomas Flake and Hannes Meyer, during inspection of the building site for the ADGB Trade Union School in Bernau, collaborated closely with Consemüller on this ambitious project—a testament to his commitment to Bauhaus ideals. His work remains a cornerstone of modern architectural history. Erich Consemüller’s photographs are displayed in museums across Europe, including the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation and Essen Folkwang Museum, ensuring that his artistic vision continues to inspire generations of designers and artists.Cite Note: Bauhaus Kooperation

erich consemüller

1902 - 1957 , Germany

Snabbfakta

Artistic Movement Or Style: Bauhaus Photography Architecture
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Lucia Moholy']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Johannes Itten
- Paul Klee
- Wassily Kandinsky
Date Of Birth: 1902-10-10 Bielefeld Germany
Date Of Death: 1957-04-11 Halle Germany
Full Name: Erich Consemüller
Nationality: German
Notable Artworks:
- Bauhaus Scene
- Easy chair by Marcel Breuer
Place Of Birth: Bielefeld Germany

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