Gerhard Munthe

Gerhard Munthe (1849-1929) is one of the most unique and important artists within 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 Holmenkollen Turisthotell (1896-1898) in Oslo and Håkonshallen (1910-1915) in Bergen are the most significant. A series of illustrations of old Norwegian ballads and fairy tales made in 1892-1893 became the basis for a renewal of the decorative arts in Scandinavia, notably in the weaving industry. Munthe’s work as a designer covers most fields within the decorative arts: tapestries, carpets, furniture, stained glass, silver, porcelain, wallpaper, wrought iron, book bindings, fonts and ex libris. Published to accompany the exhibition at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo, 8 June-2 September 2018.