Mother and ChildЕмил НолдеNone

Identification of Mother and Child

Mother and Child, also known by the German title Mutter und Kind, is a work by the German artist Emil Nolde. Born in 1867, Nolde remained a significant figure in German art until his death in 1956.

The artist Emil Nolde is associated with this subject through various iterations. Documentation identifies the work within his oeuvre, reflecting his specific approach to form and color during his career.

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

The composition centers on a mother holding her child, with the two figures occupying the majority of the frame. This arrangement creates a balanced structure that emphasizes the physical connection between the subjects. The woman's form is rendered in vivid colors, providing a sharp contrast to the baby, who appears as a figure of pink and white. This color choice distinguishes the child from the mother while maintaining a sense of visual unity.

A deep blue background provides depth to the scene, pushing the central figures forward. The interaction between the mother and child captures a quiet, tender moment of care. The use of space allows for a sense of breathing room around the figures, ensuring the focus remains on the intimacy of the maternal bond. The interplay of the saturated tones against the blue field directs the eye toward the center of the embrace.

Technique and Material Details

This work is a print executed through the lithographic process. Variations of the composition exist across different substrates and color applications. One version is a lithograph rendered in green and yellow, while another is a color lithograph printed on ivory Japanese paper. A third iteration appears as a lithograph on cream enamel wove paper.

The artist's approach to printmaking in this period reflects a focus on the immediate sensation of color. The medium allows for a directness that prioritizes the feeling of the subject. Through these different material choices, the work maintains its presence across various editions.

Historical Context and Provenance

This work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. It is identified by accession number 1943.3.6699. The piece is currently not on view. Documentation for this work is recorded in the Catalogue Raisonné Schiefler/Mosel 1966, no. L 53.

The history of the object is tied to the artist's complex relationship with the political landscape of the early twentieth century. While Nolde was a member of the Nazi Party, his creative output was frequently targeted by the state. His works were often classified as "degenerate" by the regime, leading to the removal of many pieces from public museums. This specific work remains part of a significant institutional collection despite the historical pressures placed upon his oeuvre.

Related Works by Emil Nolde

Nolde’s exploration of human connection and spiritual themes appears frequently throughout his oeuvre. His interest in communal and religious gatherings is evident in Christ among the Children, a work that captures a moment of profound intimacy. This focus on social and spiritual interaction contrasts with the more primal, psychological investigations found in his earlier pieces, such as Masks (about 1906-1907).

The artist’s ability to manipulate color and form extends to his depictions of nature and dramatic narratives. His output includes Autumn Sea (about 1908) and the 1909 work The Mocking of Christ. These pieces reflect a career defined by an intense, personal engagement with the subject matter, moving beyond mere likeness to reach for the internal weight of the scene.