Emil Nolde

Emil Nolde (August 7, 1867 - April 15, 1956) was a German painter born as Emil Hansen in the village of Nolde, Germany, near the [present-day] German-Danish border. He died in Seebüll, Germany. Since 1902 he called himself after his birthplace. He was one of the first expressionists, a member of Die Brücke, and is considered to be one of the great watercolor painters of the 20th century. He is known for his expressive choice of colors.

Between 1884 and 1891, he studied to become a carver and illustrator in Flensburg. He spent his years of travel in Munich, Karlsruhe and Berlin. From 1906 to 1907 he was a member of the artist group Brücke (bridge). During the government of the national socialist party, his works were forbidden, and he was not allowed to paint after 1941. His works were condemned as degenerate art by the Nazi regime. During this period, he painted many paintings while in hiding called the "Unpainted Pictures" by reusing canvases from prior works of art.