Pennsylvania Dutch Hex 21
by Hanne Lore Koehler
Title
Pennsylvania Dutch Hex 21
Artist
Hanne Lore Koehler
Medium
Painting - Acrylic
Description
I'm delighted to have discovered this rooster hex design in a lost portfolio of my dads. I have done a little digital refining work to his design to co-ordinate with his other Pennsylvania Dutch hex designs. Hang a few of these Pennsylvania Dutch hex designs in a grouping in your country kitchen or in your contemporary updated space for warmth and history! Awesome as a wood print!
An important part in the culture and traditions of the German settlers that created their new home in America and Canada in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were the folk art style designs referred to as hex signs. The Pennsylvania Dutch decorated their farmhouses inside and out with these hand-painted geometric designs, painting them on many household items, above doorways and on their barns. The elements that make up the designs all had special meanings from the individual colors and patterns to the birds or "Distelfinks", hearts, leaves and stars. It was their belief that these designs would bring blessings and good fortune to the home and family in the form of good luck, fertility, love, happiness, good health and many other desirable wishes. Today Dutch Hex Signs are enjoyed by people around the world who hang them on their sheds, homes, barns and garages, above doorways, in workshops, and many other locations.
In the 1980's, my dad, Otto Werner (1923 - 1991) was commissioned to design and paint a series of 24 panels to be mounted as part of the Waterloo Ontario Heritage TIME TELLER GAZEBO that illustrated some of the Pennsylvania Dutch Hex designs featured on many of the old Mennonite barns in the region. Each of these unique hex designs was incorporated into the gazebo design directly under the eaves. The double Distelfink (bird) hex is a symbol of good luck and family happiness. The tulips are a sign of faith and hope and, of course, the heart is the symbol for love. This is one of the 24 hex designs of the TIME TELLER GAZEBO now being offered as reproduction canvas, acrylic and art prints - an excellent addition to your country kitchen decor! Wonderful folk art for a European deli or German Cafe!
Thank you to the hosts of the following groups for the honor of featuring my dad's hex design! I appreciate your kind support and promotion!
Old Masters - Painters And Traditional Arts
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November 12th, 2019
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Comments (16)
Susan Bishop
The rooster is the prettiest example of folk art I have seen, but I wish the wall art was available without that grey border area around it, unless someone has light grey walls it would not blend in as well.
Hanne Lore Koehler replied:
I never thought of that, Susan. You are right! I will make some changes to white backgrounds. Thank you for your thoughtful comment and suggestion!
Donna Kennedy
Revisiting this fantastic Pennsylvania Dutch rooster artwork Hanne, and a wonderful description!...F/L/T/FB
Hanne Lore Koehler replied:
Thank you for your kind revisit and thoughtful comment, Donna! I appreciate your generous support and promotion!
Hanne Lore Koehler
Thank you so much, Lenore, for the honor of featuring my dad's hex design in OLD MASTERS - PAINTERS AND TRADITIONAL ARTS group! I appreciate your kind support and promotion!
Georgia Mizuleva
Such a wonderful image.
Hanne Lore Koehler replied:
Thank you for your thoughtful comment about my dad's hex design, Georgia!
Meg Shearer
I love this and love this series Hanne! Beautiful colors and style and wonderful history!
Hanne Lore Koehler replied:
Thank you for your thoughtful appreciation and support of my dad's hex design, Meg!
Dora Sofia Caputo Photographic Design and Fine Art
Beautiful work, Hanne Lore! What a great find! F/L.
Donna Kennedy
Beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch Hex artwork Hanne, must have been such a joy to find your Dad's work!!...F/L/T/FB
Hanne Lore Koehler replied:
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Donna! I appreciate your kind support and promotion!