Rosemaling is the term for Norwegian decorative painting (it literally means rose painting (because most of the designs look floral in nature), an artform that originated in the mid-18th century in the lowlands of Norway. Rosemaling developed when the artistic styles of the upper class, Baroque, Regency, and Rococo were introduced to the lower, rural classes. This form of decorative painting typically features as I mentioned before, floral designs, as well as subtle colors, scroll and flowing lines, ‘C’ and ‘S’ strokes in particular.
The artists who developed Rosemaling dwelled in the countryside and were not usually landowners. They were trained in “guilds” and then would travel around the country and paint the churches or homes of wealthy landowners for either a modest commission or simply room & board. Working away from home just for food and lodging was sometimes more appealing than staying home and living less comfortably. As artists traveled farther away from these “guilds,” they became more free to experiment with different styles and motifs. The artform became very widespread as the movement stretched across the country to western Norway, far away from the guilds.
Similar to the artistic styles embroidered on Norwegian bunads (bunader) and Norwegian language dialects, Rosemaling took on regional characteristics. Today there are three main styles, Telemark, Hallingdal, og Rogaland (3 areas in Norway where strong styles developed). Telemark is located in southeastern Norway, Hallingdal in central Norway, and Rogaland in south/southwestern Norway.
You may be wondering what kinds of things Norwegians would paint with this style. Trunks, jewelry boxes, drinking vessels, dishware, and much more.
With the great waves of Norwegian immigration to the United States in the late 19th century and early 20th century, came the art of Rosemaling. The generation of immigrants did little to further develop the artform because it sort of died out in the mid 19th century, but there was a revival in the beginning of the 20th century in the United States. A Norwegian immigrant by the name of Per Lysne is most well-known for reviving this beautiful style of painting. Per’s job shortly after he arrived in the U.S. was to paint wagons in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Norwegian-Americans became extremely interested in their ancestors possessions that were painted with Rosemaling.
Today in the United States there are Rosemaling clubs and associations that sponsor classes, contests, and exhibits. I have a friend that took a class-she produces great work. She also knows how to use a wood burner and burn Rosemaling designs into wood. I highly recommend taking a class if you are artistic in nature or simply want to carry on a tradition of Norwegian livelihood and artform.�
