Pennsylvania Dutch Hex 18

I am delighted to have discovered this lost hex design pencil drawing by my dad. I have done a little digital work to refine his design and... more

by Hanne Lore Koehler

Title

Pennsylvania Dutch Hex 18

Artist

Hanne Lore Koehler

Medium

Painting - Acrylic

Description

I am delighted to have discovered this lost hex design pencil drawing by my dad. I have done a little digital work to refine his design and co-ordinate with his other Pennsylvania Dutch hex designs.

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 all who voted for my painting in this contest. I appreciate your generous response and support!
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 11.24.23 - 2nd

Uploaded

October 17th, 2019