Emil Nolde (1867–1956) was a German-Danish painter and printmaker, known for his bold use of color and expressive style. He is considered one of the pioneers of German Expressionism. In 1906 Nolde briefly joined the Brücke group, but his association lasted less than a year due to artistic and personal differences.

Nolde held racist and antisemitic beliefs and joined the Nazi Party in the early 1930s. Ironically, despite his support for the regime, the Nazis labeled his work "degenerate art", banning him from painting and removing his pieces from museums.

After World War II, Nolde's art regained recognition, but his legacy remains controversial due to his racist and anti-semite views.