Object number2023.4.6
Mädchenkopf mit blondem Haar
Artist
Emil Nolde
(German, 1867-1956)
CultureGerman, Danish
MediumWatercolor on Japan paper
DimensionsImage: 18 x 13 3/8 in. (45.7 x 34 cm)
Matted: 28 x 22 in. (71.1 x 55.9 cm)
Mount: 22 1/8 x 17 1/16 in. (56.2 x 43.3 cm)
Matted: 28 x 22 in. (71.1 x 55.9 cm)
Mount: 22 1/8 x 17 1/16 in. (56.2 x 43.3 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Lynn Gross Straus, class of 1946
Period19th/20th c.
Classification(s)
SignedOn recto, signed lower right in ink: Nolde.
ProvenanceGalerie Wolfgang Ketterer, Munich; Serge Sabarsky Gallery, New York;
Saul Steinberg Collection, New York;
Private Collection, U.S.A.;
Serge Sabarsky Gallery, New York;
Purchased January 2, 1985 by the donor
Vassar Exhibitions
Label TextBy developing his wet-on-wet technique, Emil Nolde redefined his relationship with watercolors, later painting thousands of pictures using this medium. To achieve this softened, slightly hazy effect, he dampened a piece of highly absorbent Japan paper and then applied the watercolor, embracing a sense of uncertainty as the colors spontaneously meld together. For the artist, colors have emotional associations, claiming “yellow can paint happiness and also pain. There is fiery red, blood red, and rose red. There is silver blue, sky blue, and thunderstorm blue. Every color contains its soul, delighting me or repulsing me or stimulating me.” The light layering of colors creates a translucent painting that becomes an emotional expression rather than a physical likeness.
DescriptionA bust portrait made of pools of color of a young woman with shoulder length blonde hair in a red shirt. Her skin is blue and details of her face and hair are in gentle, precise blue strokes.Terms
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge.
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