Rosemaling:  A traditional Folk Art

It is important to understand something about the ‘What, Why, When and Where’ rosemaling originated and then about ‘Who’ and a bit about ‘How’ rosemaling has become what we see and know it as it is today. 

WHAT

The word ‘Rosemaling’ translated means: Decorative Flower Painting.  (It is pronounced Rose-maul-ling.)  The definition in my Norwegian to English dictionary says:  “rose painting (decorative floral painting on walls, ceilings, and furniture in rural areas………from baroque and rococo elements).”  Rosemaling originated in Norway and is their traditional folk art painted decoration.

WHY

Rosemaling, as most other decorative arts, is intended to create joy and enhance life, adding beauty and color to homes and churches.  The Norwegian painters rosemaled during their long dark winters.  They usually painted the practical wooden things in their homes: trunks, cabinets, bowls, ceilings, beds, and chairs.

WHEN

Rosemaling is the newest of the old folk arts, beginning in the 17th century, though nearly dying out in Norway around 1850.  Today in Norway there is a resurgence of the art.  

WHO

The early painters were often the second son of the family (the oldest son inherited the farm) and these often did their painting as an itinerant painter for food, and board.

WHERE & HOW

Rosemaling, as a folk art, is specific to the country of Norway.  It has been influenced by the other European arts.  These influences combined with Nordic designs from the Viking times have blended together to develop Rosemaling into the beautiful art it is today.

The country of Norway is very long and narrow with mountains and valleys, fjords and islands.  I drew a simple map of Norway to show the location of the areas where major rosemaling was done.

Rosemaling styles developed in each specific valley and that is how the rosemaling styles get their names: for example Telemark rosemaling originated in the Telemark valley; Hallingdal rosemaling in the Hallingdal valley; etc.  Each tradition became known for a particular style with similarities but also sharp differences. 

A painter often traveled over the mountains to work in another valley and picked up characteristics from that area as well.  As these differences were incorporated into their personal work an artist developed a style that was unique to him.  A recognizable personal style makes identification of an artist easier and the art more interesting.

To those interested in rosemaling there is a whole big, exciting world out there to explore. 

When able to see photos of the old rosemaling or see it in Museums, it becomes quite obvious that the earlier rosemaling doesn't always look like what is seen in books and magazines today.  You can also look at the photos and see how the designs today have grown out of tradition:  ‘C’ and ‘S’ strokes, balance – large and smaller elements in a design, color placement, and more.

I think it is important that a painter is familiar with the roots of rosemaling.  As you have opportunity to look at the old and the new, note what style it is, the background color used, what colors are used for the rosemaling, and all the details. 

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