Emil Nolde quotes - page 2

Emil Nolde was a German-Danish painter and printmaker, recognized as one of the leading figures of German Expressionism. His vivid use of color and bold brushwork made his works instantly recognizable and emotionally powerful. He became both influential and controversial, especially due to his complex relationship with the political movements of his time. Here are 33 of his quotes:

Nobody had made the same full use of the properties of acids and metal in this way before. Having drown on the copper-plate and left areas of it bare, I laid it in the bath of acid and achieved effects that astonished even me, full of subtle nuances.

Emil Nolde

They [his own fantasies he made in strange pencil drawings then] hover before me now in drifting color, more beautiful than I can possibly paint them.. ..I yearn for the day when I will have found my color harmonies, my harmonies.

Emil Nolde

A new day. Calm as seldom the beginning of such a one. Did I dream? No! Dream and contented pure was the night.. .It is the sure certainty of having found unity with nature, this calm causes one of the strongest experiences. Man, air, trees, world are laid bare and are one! Contented sleep releases the limbs. We await full moon. Await the dance!

Emil Nolde

'The most perfect art was Greek art. Raphael is the greatest of all masters in painting'. Such were the doctrines of every art teacher only twenty or thirty years ago.

Emil Nolde

a later confession to his friend, in Expressionism; Praeger Publishers, New York, 1973, p. 76.

Emil Nolde

The most perfect art was Greek art. Raphael is the greatest of all masters in painting.

Emil Nolde

a written note of Nolde, 1903, on the island of Alsen; as quoted by de:Wolf-Dieter Dube, in Expressionism; Praeger Publishers, New York, 1973, p. 77.

Emil Nolde