EMIL NOLDE THE GROTESQUES

Although Emil Nolde is famous for his dramatic ocean views and colorful flower gardens, his love of the fantastical and grotesque ha s received less attention to date. Yet, it is clear from his autobiography and many letters that they had a significant impact on hi s artistic work. Besides his first oil painting, the Bergriesen (Mountain giants, 1895/96), his alpine postcards from before 1900 al so display his fascination with the imaginary: here, the Swiss mountains appear as bizarre human physiognomies.