Gerhard Munthe: Norwegian Pioneer of Modernism

Gerhard Munthe (1849-1929) is one of the most unique and important artists of the Art Nouveau movement and a significant contributor to its international diversity. His radical, abstract style based partly on old Norwegian folk art is today considered a precursor of twentieth-century Modernism. Among Munthe’s greatest achievements are his countless room decorations, of which the Fairy-Tale Room at Holmenkollen Turisthotell (1896-98) in Oslo and Hakonshallen (1910-15) in Bergen are the most significant. A series of his watercolours based on old Norwegian ballads and Norse mythology made in 1892-93 became the basis for a renewal of the decorative arts in northern Europe, notably in the weaving industry. His creative vignettes and illustrations for Snorri Sturluson’s Sagas of the Old Norwegian Kings (1896-99) influenced several European artists. Munthe was one of Norway’s first industrial designers, and his work covers most fields within the decorative arts: tapestries, carpets, furniture, stained glass, silver, porcelain, wallpaper, wrought iron, book bindings, fonts and bookplates. This richly illustrated book offers a review of Gerhard Munthe’s prolific production as a decorative artist and designer spanning almost forty years.