The painting technique and artist’s materials of the renowned Expressionist Emil Nolde (1867–1956) have been examined for the first time by an interdisciplinary team of restorers, art historians, and scientists. The research included an evaluation of Nolde’s studio estate and his text sources from the perspective of art technology, as well as detailed microscopic, imaging, and material-analysis examinations of his paintings. Known as a master of coloring, the choice of canvas, primer, and paint, as well as diverse application techniques are essential to the effect of his pictures. The impressive spectrum of Nolde’s working methods and his struggle to arrive at artistic solutions are explained clearly based on forty-four works from all the phases of his long career.

Exhibitions:
Hamburger Kunsthalle, October 16, 2021 until April 18, 2022
Emil Nolde. Meine Art zu malen…, Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich, March 31, 2022 until February 28, 2023
Presentation in the Nolde Stiftung Seebüll, expected from summer 2022

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