Lot 3253* - A209 Impressionist & Modern Art - Friday, 21. June 2024, 05.00 PM
EMIL NOLDE
(Nolde 1867–1956 Seebüll)
Flowering cacti. 1920–25.
Watercolour on Japan paper.
Signed lower right: Nolde.
35.5 × 47.5 cm.
Certificate:
Nolde Stiftung Seebüll, Seebüll, 8.5.2024 (Nr. Fr.A.3285).
Provenance:
- Rudolf Probst, Dresden/Mannheim, acquired directly from the artist.
- Sale Grisebach, Berlin, 31.5.2012, no. 22.
- Private collection, Berlin, acquired at the above auction.
Our thanks to the Nolde Foundation Seebüll for confirming the authenticity of this work.
The present watercolor shows one of the most popular themes explored by Emile Nolde, probably the most virtuosic colorists among the expressionists of his time. The subject of flowers in all shapes and colors is inextricably linked to memories of his parents' home and his childhood. Nolde is particularly interested in the symbolism and the deeper significance of vegetation. "Yellow [...] paint happiness and also pain. There is fire red, blood red and rose red. There is silver blue, sky blue and storm blue. Every color has its soul within it, which makes me happy or is repulsive and stimulating. [...] And are not Dreams like sounds and tones like colors and color like music." (Emil Nolde. Landschaften. Aquarelle und Zeichnungen, Cologne 1969, p. 16.).
For Nolde, flowers also provide a vivid example of the eternal cycle of birth, life and death that underlies nature. In the present composition, Nolde positions four radiating red cactus flowers, whose intensity and proportion accentuate the meaningful part of the composition. The green, contrasting, straight-lined leaves provide a formal and chromatic counterpoint to the flowers. Transparent blue- or gray/mauve-colored areas fill the spaces within the cactus plant, suggesting width and depth. The composition is held together by the color-diffusing effects of the absorbent Japanese paper, which causes the colors to blur into one another and dissolve the perspective.
The present watercolor shows one of the most popular themes explored by Emile Nolde, probably the most virtuosic colorists among the expressionists of his time. The subject of flowers in all shapes and colors is inextricably linked to memories of his parents' home and his childhood. Nolde is particularly interested in the symbolism and the deeper significance of vegetation. "Yellow [...] paint happiness and also pain. There is fire red, blood red and rose red. There is silver blue, sky blue and storm blue. Every color has its soul within it, which makes me happy or is repulsive and stimulating. [...] And are not Dreams like sounds and tones like colors and color like music." (Emil Nolde. Landschaften. Aquarelle und Zeichnungen, Cologne 1969, p. 16.).
For Nolde, flowers also provide a vivid example of the eternal cycle of birth, life and death that underlies nature. In the present composition, Nolde positions four radiating red cactus flowers, whose intensity and proportion accentuate the meaningful part of the composition. The green, contrasting, straight-lined leaves provide a formal and chromatic counterpoint to the flowers. Transparent blue- or gray/mauve-colored areas fill the spaces within the cactus plant, suggesting width and depth. The composition is held together by the color-diffusing effects of the absorbent Japanese paper, which causes the colors to blur into one another and dissolve the perspective.
CHF 50 000 / 70 000 | (€ 51 550 / 72 160)
Sold for CHF 62 500 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.