Flower garden (marigolds) 1919

Emil Nolde captured this vibrant flower garden, likely marigolds, with oil on canvas. Painted in Germany, at some point in the first half of the twentieth century, this seemingly simple subject is worth a closer look. Nolde was associated with the Expressionist group Die Brücke or ‘The Bridge’ who, in the years before the First World War, sought to challenge academic tradition. They embraced a deliberately raw style, often using non-naturalistic color and simplified forms. Nolde's paintings often express a strong connection to nature, however, his biography is not without controversy. His enthusiasm for National Socialism and membership of the Nazi party, for example, complicate our understanding of the image, which can appear apolitical. To understand Nolde’s painting fully, it is important to consult a range of historical resources, including letters, exhibition reviews, and political documents. This way, we can better consider the complex relationship between art and its ever-changing social context.