BauernMalerei Vorlagen Motive

Following you see some examples of Austrian ' BauernMalerei ' (Farmers paintings). They originate from a house which was built in the 16th century. Nevertheless the paintings themselves (shown here) were probably created in the time between 1905 and 1910.

The above photo refreshed with some photo editing software:

The place these motives were found served it's purpose as a hotel or hostel for a couple of centuries. Noblesse oblidge! And so the decoration of the rooms. The wood paintings on the doors and the furniture somehow represent also a kind of phantasy emblems or crests. Even a connection to royal coats could be associated.

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These motives ask for respect. Hm, totems?

In the whole house there were not two motives alike. Each one is different and made with phantasy, love and dedication. This is (was) the work of a master of profession.

Nevertheless these emblems or motives look kind of noble, the furniture that had these kind of paintings was a kind of cheap alternative to furniture that had veneers and inlays.

When did these kind of ornamental paintings appear? Well, originating from medieval times they start to spread widely probably around the 17th and 18th century. In medieval times the farmers weren't free and it took time (centuries) for them to get the right to obtain property. The paintings surely also have the function to show off prosperity, luxuriosness or plentyfulness. They show a newly grown selfconsciousness of a group that had rather rudimentary rights and duties before.

Flowers like roses, tulips, marguerits, poppies and cornflowers (bluebottle) as well as leaves and fruits are being stylized.

The painter didn't fiddle around. Just did it cool and quick.

Usually the poorer people imitate the richer people. As I said before, it's cheaper to paint the furniture than to do a lot of expensive carpentry work.

In the next post I'll show you some pieces of furniture with ' BauernMalerei '.

And you'll find out on which pieces of furniture I found these motives.