Cathedral of Socialism 1919

Lyonel Feininger made this woodcut, Cathedral of Socialism, with bold lines to create a monumental, almost spiritual, image. The image was created in Germany, a time of great social and political upheaval, and the print was commissioned by Walter Gropius for the cover of the Bauhaus manifesto. The Bauhaus was an enormously influential art school with socialist leanings, so the Cathedral represents the shared values and goals of its members. By using the form of a gothic cathedral Feininger suggests the spiritual and uplifting goals of the movement. The radiant beams shooting out above the Cathedral act as an almost divine presence watching over the scene. To understand the image better, it can be helpful to research German art history, the Bauhaus movement, and the history of Socialism. Only by placing the artwork in its historical and social context can we better understand the intentions of the artist.