Art is exalted above religion and race. Not a single solitary soul these days believes in the religions of the Assyrians, the Egyptians and the Greeks... Only their art, whenever it was beautiful, stands proud and exalted, rising above all time.

The quote by Emil Nolde emphasizes the enduring power and significance of art compared to religion and race. Nolde observes that while ancient religions such as those of the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Greeks have largely faded from belief, their art, especially when beautiful, continues to inspire and resonate across generations. Art, in this sense, transcends temporal, cultural, and societal boundaries, achieving a form of immortality.

At its core, the quote conveys that art possesses a universal and lasting value that outlives the institutions, ideologies, and divisions that created it. Whereas religions and racial identities may shift or disappear over time, art captures human expression, creativity, and beauty in ways that endure beyond historical or cultural contexts. Nolde suggests that the emotional and aesthetic impact of art elevates it above transient human constructs.

The origin of this quote comes from Nolde’s reflections as a German-Danish painter and printmaker associated with Expressionism, who often explored the spiritual and emotional dimensions of art. His statement reflects a philosophy that prioritizes creative expression as a means of connecting humanity across time, emphasizing that the legacy of civilizations is preserved most vividly through their art rather than their religions or social structures.

The keywords—art, exalted, religion, race, Assyrians, Egyptians, Greeks, beautiful, stands proud, rising above all time—capture the essence of Nolde’s message: true art transcends temporal, cultural, and ideological boundaries. The quote underscores the timeless and universal nature of artistic expression, highlighting its ability to endure and inspire long after other human institutions have faded.

I can also create a shorter, 2-paragraph version with all the bold keywords for easier reference if you want.