How did early Bauhaus art differ from the school’s later design approach?

The evolution of the Bauhaus school’s design approach can be divided into two distinct phases, marked by a shift from subjective expressionism to rational objectivity.1

The Early Bauhaus (1919–1922)

During the school's initial years in Weimar, the curriculum and output were characterized by a focus on handicrafts, such as ceramics, weaving, and stained-glass design. The atmosphere allowed for significant individuality and expressionism, where students were encouraged to express subjective feelings in their work. During this period, the belief that the greatness of art stood above utilitarian considerations often took precedence over the prewar goal of aligning art with the economic and rational order of modern society.1

The Later Design Approach (1922 onwards)

A significant shift occurred in 1922, moving the school toward a more rational and objective philosophy. This approach emphasized:1
* Industrial Integration: Individually crafted products were replaced by designs intended as prototypes for mass production.12
* Aesthetic Principles: The work began to prioritize geometrical forms, smooth surfaces, regular outlines, primary colors, and the use of modern materials.1
* Functionalism: The school increasingly focused on the "form follows function" thesis, aiming to adapt industrial techniques to meet the needs of modern society.3

This later phase, which epitomized an impersonal, functionalist style, is what is most commonly recognized today as the characteristic Bauhaus "style".13