45 Painting on Masonite

Painting on Masonite Norwegian-American Oljanna Cunneen, 1969 Masonite, paint Little Norway Collection, Gift of Scott & Jennifer Winner MHAHS 2015.021.0008

Mount Horeb knew Oljanna Cunneen for her rosemaling and trolls. Created for her private display, this piece unites these trademarks from her artistic repertoire. The large, brightly rosemaled pattern frames a snowcapped scene as a troll couple sits beside a small fire. Although surrounded by the cold, the scene evokes inviting warmth as a teapot is lovingly heated. Cunneen painted her signature on the woman’s skirt beside the tankard and oranges. After her passing in 1988, Cunneen’s family donated this piece in her memory to Little Norway where she served as a guide and entertained countless visitors.