Emil Nolde - See mit Boot vor einer Berglandschaft - image-1

Lot 314 R

Emil Nolde - See mit Boot vor einer Berglandschaft

Auction 1023 - overview Cologne
26.11.2013, 18:00 - Modern Art
Estimate: 50.000 € - 55.000 €

Emil Nolde

See mit Boot vor einer Berglandschaft
c. 1925/1930

Watercolour and India ink 34.7/35 x 48 cm Nolde

This watercolour, which as usual, Nolde did not date, shows a lake scenery with mountains. Nolde repeatedly visited Switzerland between the years 1927 and 1941 - for recreation or, in the case of a 1948 trip, for his honeymoon - and thus it is likely that he did the painting sometime during this period. Although Nolde's numerous depictions of mountains are less well known than his marsh landscapes, he was an enthusiastic admirer of the imposing world of the Swiss Alps. Time and again, he captured the alpine landscapes in watercolours.
Here, dark clouds hang low over the silhouettes of mountains outlined in black. The golden light of the setting sun shines through dramatically, but only in a few places. This waning late afternoon light is enough to conjure up a mysterious atmosphere. The lake and the surrounding countryside are bathed in cool light. The artist only added a few touches of warm tone indicating settlements on the opposite shore of the lake. Otherwise, there is no clear information providing a more exact determination of the location. This was the very effect which Nolde was seeking. His purpose was never merely to illustrate - he aimed to stimulate our imagination, to inspire the creation of inner visions.

Certificate

With a photo-certificate from Manfred Reuther, Seebüll, dated 23 October 2012; the work is registered with the Nolde Foundation Seebüll.

Provenance

Galerie Valentien, Stuttgart (acquired there in 1953); private collection, Peru, since then in family ownership