Early 19th Century Norwegian Rosemailing Trunk Signed by Per Lysne

Description

Rosemaling is an art style preserved thanks in part to 19th century immigration from Norway’s farming communities to those of … more Rosemaling is an art style preserved thanks in part to 19th century immigration from Norway’s farming communities to those of Wisconsin. Since that journey, rosemaling has worked its way into the identity of the state. Made famous by Per Lysne of Stoughton, Wisconsin, in the early 20th century, the art continues to impact cultural media today. The winner of the 2014 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Disney’s Frozen, draws heavily on rosemaling traditions to create the fictional world of Arendelle, inspired by Norwegian culture and history. Norwegians immigrants to the United States in the 19th century carried rosemaling with them across the ocean. In addition to small painted wooden pieces like plates and jewelry boxes, these immigrants traveled with trunks covered with the art of their homeland. Rosemaled art objects found their resting place in the cupboards and on the shelves of many Wisconsin homes. The state was a popular destination for settlers from Norway, who were attracted by the similar climate, excellent opportunities for farming, and the pamphlets and newspaper ads distributed in Norwegian by the Wisconsin Commission of Emigration. By 1850, Norwegians made up the second largest ethnic group in WisconsinFor the most part, the challenges of adapting to life in America meant that the tradition of rosemaling faded. But a revival of the art in the United States was launched by Per Lysne of Stoughton, Wisconsin beginning in the 1930s. Lysne was trained in rosemaling in Norway before immigrating to Stoughton in 1907. His artistic talent helped him get a job painting wagons in a factory, but when the Great Depression slowed business, he turned to his roots for support. His skilled and intricate designs soon popularized the tradition worldwide. less