Lot 66 D

Many of the so-called “Ungemalte Bilder”, which Emil Nolde painted in the period from 1938 to 1945, are inspired by scenes from the theatre stage. In small-format, but tremendously colourful works, Nolde concentratedly realises groups of figures that are characterised through fantasy-filled costumes, emotions and bizarre portrayals and which usually elude any concrete interpretation in terms of motif. The strange old man of “Der seltsame Alte” dominates the composition as a bearded figure in oriental costume. Two female figures stand opposite him: one is turned to face the viewer frontally while the other is seen from behind, with her head turned in profile. The image is developed entirely out of the colours and attains a radiant intensity that seems to illuminate the pictorial space. At the same time, the palette is limited to the primary colours of yellow, red and blue – modestly supplemented by two tones of brown. Sparing contour lines only vaguely outline the bodies, although the faces are articulated in detail and characterise the ambiguities of the three individuals in an astonishingly precise manner. On the one hand there is the friendly smile of the old man, contradicted by the demonic shadow of the passage surrounding his eye, which gives him an unpredictable aspect; on the other hand, there are the timidly hesitating, but apparently fascinated female figures. This work provides an exceptionally clear demonstration of Nolde’s passionate relationship to colour and the extent of his mastery over it.