Da Vinci Recognizes 50th Anniversary of NOVA Brushes
One of the most recognizable synthetic brush lines in the fine art sector is celebrating a significant milestone this year. The NOVA series from da Vinci Artist Brush Factory DEFET GmbH turns 50, marking five decades of product evolution, material innovation and sustained global demand.
Introduced in the mid-1970s as an early synthetic alternative to natural hair brushes, NOVA represented a bold step for the Nuremberg-based manufacturer. At a time when natural hair dominated the artist brush category, the Defet family invested in developing extra-fine synthetic fibers designed to deliver elasticity, durability and consistent paint control.
Over the past half century, NOVA has grown from a specialty synthetic offering into one of the company’s most versatile and widely distributed brush families.
A Recognizable Design with Enduring Appeal
From its launch, NOVA established a distinct visual identity. The extra-fine golden synthetic filaments paired with the fir-green handle created a look that remains instantly identifiable at retail. That consistency in branding has helped the line maintain strong shelf recognition across international markets.
Functionally, the golden fiber blend has been engineered for high elasticity, reliable shape retention and balanced paint absorption. These performance characteristics have allowed NOVA to serve multiple painting techniques — including watercolor, tempera, acrylic and oil — as well as hobby and educational applications.
Today, the series is widely regarded as an all-purpose synthetic brush system, reflecting the broader industry shift toward advanced man-made filament technologies.
Limited 50th Anniversary Editions
To commemorate the anniversary, da Vinci has introduced two limited-edition NOVA brush sets — one short-handle and one long-handle version. The sets incorporate a vintage marketing design originally developed five decades ago by Nuremberg designer Jules Stauber, visually connecting the product’s heritage to its current market position.
The anniversary editions will be presented during Creativeworld in Frankfurt, one of the leading global trade events for the hobby, craft and artist supplies industry.
According to company leadership, the anniversary is both a celebration and a strategic reaffirmation of the synthetic brush category’s importance.
Management Perspective: Balancing Innovation and Tradition
In conjunction with the milestone, Brushware spoke with company management about NOVA’s long-term development and outlook.
What does 50 years of NOVA represent for the company?
Management describes the anniversary as a defining milestone that reflects five decades of commitment, product development and customer trust. The early decision by Mrs. and Mr. Defet to expand beyond natural hair brushes into synthetic fibers required strategic foresight. That move positioned the company to adapt to changing market expectations and growing demand for high-performance synthetic alternatives.
Which core values have shaped the NOVA line?
Quality, reliability and close alignment with market needs have remained central. Management emphasizes the importance of offering a wide variety of shapes and configurations, ensuring the line remains universal across techniques and user segments. Sustainability and respect for the company’s regional brushmaking heritage also remain key considerations.
How do innovation and creativity factor into NOVA’s future?
Leadership notes that innovation continues to drive competitive strength, but not at the expense of proven systems. While honoring traditional know-how developed over generations, the company monitors technology and material advancements closely, integrating new solutions where they enhance performance and durability.
What is the outlook for the coming years?
Management expresses confidence in continued sustainable growth for the NOVA series. With synthetic fibers now firmly established in the global brush market, the company sees opportunities to introduce new impulses while remaining anchored in the values that have supported the line for five decades.
About da Vinci
Founded more than 70 years ago and headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany, da Vinci Artist Brush Factory DEFET GmbH produces artist, hobby and school brushes, along with cosmetic, nail and dental brush products. The company combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technologies and works closely with specialty retail partners worldwide.
As NOVA enters its sixth decade, the anniversary underscores not only the evolution of a single brush line, but also the broader transformation of synthetic filament technology within the global artist brush sector — a shift that continues to influence product development across the industry.
