Kurbits

Kurbits or Kurbitsmalerei (Swedish kurbits ) is a historic, decorative painter art that has been carried out mainly in the Swedish historic province of Dalarna. The term probably has its origin in the Latin word Cucurbita (pumpkin ). It is about the presentation of colorful fantasy plants with exaggerated large flowers and leaves, often associated with religious motives.

In older versions of the Bible was kurbits the translation of the Hebrew word for tree or bush. In the biblical narrative of the Book of Jonah ( Greek-Latin. Jonas ) does God prepared a gourd - bush or tree growing to donate to the prophet Jonah shade. Presumably, this narrative is the starting point for the Kurbitsmalerei in Dalarna.

The painting was often carried out by itinerant painters, this went from farm to farm and painted furniture such as cabinets and chests. Also murals were executed, such as the well-known painter Winter Carl Hansson in Danielsgården in Bingsjö. His works are now under monument protection.

As Template simple image prints from Germany or France in the 16th and 17th century were used. One popular motif was the age staircase that represents the CV symbolically by ascending and descending stairs. The painting had its peak during the year 1780 until 1870.

Even today Kurbitsmalereien be executed for decorative embellishment on cupboards and chests or on souvenir items such as cutting boards and the famous red Dalarna horse.

Swell

• Dalarna, ett bildverk. Allhem AB, Malmö, 1971
• Bonnier's lexicon. Bonnier AB Lexicon, 1996, del 11

• Art (Sweden)
• Painting
• Dalarna