Segelboot

In 1910, Emile Nolde focused much of his creative energy on an extensive series of works based on his observation of boats in the north German seaport harbor of Hamburg. He used unconventional techniques to convey the effects of weather and light and their interaction with the water and various types of watercraft. Here, in this study of a sailboat, he employed an unusually rough cutting technique on his wooden printing block, almost as if chopping it with a hatchet, though probably using broad gouges. He printed the block by hand, applying pressure unevenly so that some parts print solidly and others faintly. He chose to print on a rough sheet of taupe Asian paper, further heightening the sense of atmosphere. Perhaps the tension between the energy of the artist’s hand and the quiet of the scene is key to the mystery of this image.