Emil Nolde

Im Nachtcafé

Oil on canvas, 1910, 78,5x63,5 cm, Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design

Emil Nolde (1867-1956) is considered one of the leading representatives of German Expressionism and is especially known for his vibrant palette and expressive idiom.

Im Nachtkafée, 1911, is from a very important period in the artist’s career and was created while he was living in Berlin. The picture forms part of a series that depicts the animated nightlife of a big city, with scenes from bars and cafés, masquerade balls and cabarets.

Here we see a closely entwined couple, the woman with fiery red hair and wearing a low-cut dress. The pure, vibrant colours resonate against each other and the bold brushstrokes are driven across the surface of the painting.

OWG