- 180
Emil Nolde
Estimate
130,000 - 180,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Emil Nolde
- ROTE WOLKEN (RED CLOUDS)
- signed Nolde (lower left)
- watercolour on paper
- 32.5 by 43.5cm., 12 3/4 by 17 1/8 in.
Provenance
Dr. Harald Busch, Frankfurt (gift from the artist)
Hildegard Fritz-Denneville Fine Arts Ltd., London
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1997
Hildegard Fritz-Denneville Fine Arts Ltd., London
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1997
Condition
Executed on Japan paper, not laid down, attached to the mount at all four corners, although the bottom left corner is loose, floating in the mount. There are three 3cm. repaired tears to the centre of the bottom edge, a 1cm. repaired tear to the top right corner and a 2cm. line of paper skinning to the bottom right corner. Apart from some intermittent tiny nicks and tears, mainly to the right and bottom edges, this work is in good condition.
Colours: Overall less blue, the reds are less crimson in the original.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Rote Wolken is a magnificent example of Nolde's mastery of the medium of watercolour, depicting the landscape in Northern Germany, the artist's native home. With its moving palette of vibrant red, green, blue and brown tones, particularly visible in the clouds and the wonderfully rendered winding path, the present work conveys a dramatically charged mood, the rain-filled clouds suggesting an impending evening storm. The low horizon line brilliantly reflects the planes of the landscape, Nolde's fascination with the sky and his fundamental search for the spiritual. The artist himself stated: 'I looked up to the sky and into the clouds; they were my friends.'