Emil Nolde

Galerie Raymond Thomas, Munich
Charles Tabachnik, Toronto (sale: Sotheby's, New York, 19th November 1986, lot 14)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Executed on japan paper, not laid down and attached to the mount intermittently along all four edges. There are a few tiny pinholes to the upper left and right corners and one to the centre of the upper edge. There is a small repaired tear to the upper right corner and a few scattered creases in places, many of which are probably inherent to the support. There are some tiny fly spots in places, mainly to the purple pigment. The sheet is slightly undulated, due to the artist's working process. There is a small water stain to the centre of the main yellow cloud, visible in the catalogue illustration and probably inherent to the artist's process. Otherwise, this work is in overall good condition. Colours: Overall fairly accurate in the printed catalogue, though very slightly less saturated 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."

Marschlandschaft mit gewitterhimmel, painted during Nolde's final stay in Seebül in Northern Germany, is a superb example of the artist's characteristically dreamy landscapes. Deeply influenced by the natural world, Nolde executed a series of watercolours emphasising his close attachment to his homeland and heightening its evocative beauty. The enveloping tonal gradations lend this work an aura of suspense and stillness, a landscape lacking in human life but richly populated with the energy of the approaching thunderstorm. 

The present work is testament to the artist's enduring exploration of, and experimentation with, this very organic medium. The sinuous lines of the clouds tantalise the viewer into the kaleidoscopic composition. One of the most independent of the German Expressionists, Nolde adhered to the credo of the Dresden-based group known as Die Brücke from 1906 to 1907, which instilled his practice with a sense of urgency of expression and emphasis on colour.