In both small and larger format watercolours, Emil Nolde shows his masterly skill in the free handling of watercolours. His intensely luminous colours on the highest technical level alone move the viewer emotionally. Throughout his life, Emil Nolde turned his special interest to watercolour.
"Portrait of a Woman (Black, Violet, Ochre, Brown)" is a portrait that is characterised by a particular softness and mildness of physiognomy. It is striking that Emil Nolde repeatedly works with the paper tone in the watercolours and incorporates it into his work by leaving parts of the sheet unpainted; he proceeds similarly in his paintings when he does not paint over the coloured primed canvas in places. These are therefore not unfinished works, but a special demonstration of his skill, both in painting and in watercolour.
