
Emil Nolde was one of the most prominent German Expressionists, known for his raw, emotive use of color and dramatic contrasts. A member of 'Die Brücke' for a brief period, Nolde shared the group's interest in breaking away from traditional artistic norms, embracing spontaneity and psychological intensity in his work. However, his independent streak and strong personality soon led him to distance himself from the collective, forging his own path. Ironically, despite his fervent nationalism and early support of the Nazi Party, his work was later denounced as “degenerate art” by the regime, and over a thousand of his paintings were confiscated from German museums. Although he spent much of his later life attempting to rehabilitate his reputation, his political views remain a controversial aspect of his legacy. Yet, his paintings and prints, with their searing colors and primal energy, continue to be some of the most striking examples of German Expressionism.
