Mother and Child (Mutter und Kind)
Work on paper; painting/drawing • Emil Nolde (German-Danish, 1867-1956)
Style & Movement
German Expressionism (Die Brücke)
Medium & Technique
Watercolor, charcoal, and crayon on paper; wet-on-wet technique characteristic of the artist's expressive colorist approach
Creation Period
circa 1925-1930
Dimensions & Format
16 1/4 x 13 1/2 in (41.3 x 34.3 cm); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A tender depiction of a mother and child rendered in non-naturalistic, vibrant colors. The composition features the mother's head in profile over the child's shoulder, utilizing a deep blue and ochre palette for the faces set against a cool blue background, emphasizing emotional interiority over physical realism.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the saturated pigments appear well-preserved although some edge wear and minor age-related toning are visible
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $250,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$120,000 - $180,000 USD
Provenance History
Currently held/listed by Moeller Fine Art; previously in private European collections; typical of works originally from the artist's studio in Seebüll
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of Nolde's mastery of watercolor, a medium he revolutionized. His 'Mother and Child' works from the mid-interwar period reflect his interest in primal human bonds and his rejection of academic color theory in favor of psychological Expressionism.
Notable Features
Signed 'Nolde' in charcoal in the lower left corner; distinctive 'wet-in-wet' bleeding of colors that creates the characteristic blurred contours of his Mature Style.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing/spotting in the lower white margin; minor pigment losses near the child's mouth and hair typical of fragile watercolor surfaces; evidence of original charcoal smudging intended by the artist.
Conservation Recommendations
Must be displayed under UV-filtering museum glass; maintain stable humidity (45-55%) and low light levels (50 lux) to prevent fading of sensitive fugitive pigments.