European Folk Art Designs

Marty Noble

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Year: 2013
• eBook ISBN: 9780486145433
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art General

This handsome collection contains scores of unique images based on folk art designs created by artists of Austria, Poland, Hungary, Russia, Switzerland, and other European countries.
Adapted from authentic sources, 265 original renderings depict scores of charming motifs incorporating florals, wildlife, riders on horseback, mythical figures, men and women in traditional costumes, and religious and secular motifs. Ideal for adding a touch of Old World flavor to a variety of projects, these eye-catching, stylized designs appear in assorted configurations, among them borders, squares, circles, medallions, and rectangles.
Painstakingly reproduced and attractively presented, the designs represent a valuable resource of inspirational and practical art. The collection will be a major addition to the bookshelves of artists, designer, and craftworkers.

Introduction

In this diverse and carefully chosen collection, you’ll find a treasury of designs drawn from the centuries-old folk art traditions of many European lands. Taken from a host of original sources—textiles, earthenware, furniture, embroidery, clothing, shoes, cupboards, wine bottles, boxes, plates, and many other items in common use—these motifs derive directly from the life of the people and the popular culture of Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and many more countries.

Included here are sixty plates (two to nine designs per plate) of plant and animal motifs, Christmas and holiday decorations, abstracts, geometric motifs, religious figures (Madonnas, saints, etc.), and other designs originally employed to add decorative flair to interiors, household objects, utilitarian items, and personal possessions. Sometimes highly stylized, often full of charm and whimsy, these images have been handed down for generations, offering a rich connection with artists and craftspeople of times past.

Ranging from simple to intricate, delicate to bold, realistic to highly imaginative, the designs in this book will help you bring authentic folk flavor to a wide array of artistic and craft projects: needlework, fabric and textile design, silkscreen, leatherwork, wood burning, and more. Use the designs as they appear here, or scan them into your computer to reduce or enlarge them, or adapt them in any way you see fit. Ready for immediate practical use, without permission or fee, these time-honored motifs represent an evergreen source of artistic and crafts inspiration.

Albania

(a–b) Embroidered borders from ceremonial shawls, vicinity of Berat, north Albania. (c) Hem of a coverlet, silk embroidery.

Austria

(a) Onion bowl, Linz region, upper Austria (1787). (b) Motif from a plate (1900s). (c) Wine jug, upper Austria (18th century).

(d) Design from a bowl, southern upper Austria (18th century). (e) Design from a plate, Styria, Austria (18th–19th century).

Austria

(a) Plate design (18th–19th century). (b–c) Wine jugs, upper Austria (18th century). (d) Bowl design (18th century).

Belgium

(a) Ornamental painted wooden shoe, Antwerp (19th century). (b) Curry comb of brass, Flemish (19th century). (c) Horseman on plate, Thourout (1781). (d) Signboard of an inn, iron plate, Flemish (1800). (e) Ornamental painted wooden shoe, Antwerp (19th century). (f) Painted clay statue of rooster (1800s).

Bulgaria

(a) Sleeve embr...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Introduction