Emil Nolde

1867 — 1956

Emil Nolde's art is considered groundbreaking for German Expressionism and Modernism. He is known for his strong colours and dynamic brushwork. Emil Nolde was born under the name Emil Hansen as a farmer's son near the German-Danish border. Nolde discovered his passion for painting in his childhood, but it was not until he was 31 that he began his career as an artist. In 1898, Nolde was rejected by the Munich Art Academy. However, this rejection motivated him all the more to improve his artistic skills. In the following three years he took painting and drawing lessons and travelled frequently to Paris. There he became acquainted with Impressionism.

After the National Socialists seized power, his art was classified as degenerate. 1,052 of his works were removed from museums and galleries. As a result, Nolde was banned from painting in public or private places. Nevertheless, Nolde painted numerous watercolours, which he called Unpainted Pictures. His works were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, including the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.