Emil Noldes Malweise

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.