Norwegian
Hanging Cabinet, 19th century
Carved and painted oak, 40.3 x 21.9 x 8.1 cm (15 7/8 x 8 5/8 x 3 3/16 in.)
This is a Norwegian rectangular hanging cabinet made of painted oak. On the front is a deeply carved central panel, surrounded by flat panels painted in a black and gold scroll pattern on a deep red background. In the central panel there is a long-tailed russet bird gazing to the right surrounded by an elaborate multi-colored carved scroll pattern. Just above the bird, on a black background, is a square with three carved half-moons with tails, arranged in a triangular pattern, with two half-moons in the lower corners, all painted in a deep yellow. The letters G, K, and H are painted in deep yellow at the top of the three panels, respectively. At the top of the cabinet is a carved panel with a circular motif in the center, flanked by two key-hole motifs on either side, painted in black and yellow on a deep red background. The cabinet is bordered by a black and yellow marble-like painted rim.
Macknight Room
Commentary
The fine carving and multicolored floral motifs on this wooden box are hallmarks of a style of Norwegian folk painting called Rosemaling. This technique first developed in the 18th century as a method of decorating the interiors of wooden churches, and was later used to embellish household objects of all kinds.
Isabella probably purchased this cabinet on her trip to Norway in the summer of 1867. She was intrigued by Scandinavian folk culture, and had a series of photographs taken of herself in traditional Norwegian dress during her visit.
Isabella probably purchased this cabinet on her trip to Norway in the summer of 1867. She was intrigued by Scandinavian folk culture, and had a series of photographs taken of herself in traditional Norwegian dress during her visit.