Antique Painted Swedish Folk Art Linen Bonad Depticing Ahasuerus’ Banquet, Book of Esther

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Antique Swedish linen textile bonad hand painted with a wedding scene from the book of Esther. It is from Halland, … Read more Antique Swedish linen textile bonad hand painted with a wedding scene from the book of Esther. It is from Halland, Sweden, hand painted by the traditional premiere painter,
Johannes Nilsson of Breared around 1800. It is Swedish Folk Art, depicting the 180 day feast of King Ahasuerus told in the Bible, Esther, chapter one. The text reads: “Ahasverus Gästabud Som Stod i 180 dagar” (Ahasuerus’ Banquet which stood for 180 days). All of the figures in the bonad are dressed in 18th century traditional Swedish costume and executed in pleasing cheerful colors. This is an especially large example.

Local or travelling artists like Nilsson created these brightly colored paintings, often working to order for a family event perhaps a birth or marriage. Most bonads depicted scenes of village, farm life or Bible stories. They were displayed in the home during Christmas and holidays. Rare to find outside of Sweden, they are today considered a national treasure and export of them is no longer permitted.

The table under the arch on the left is the queen’s table, with the queen in the center surrounded by many guests. The table to the right is the King’s table. Again, the king is in the center surrounded by many guests. There are dark blue draperies above the people, under the arches. There are also draperies around the two windows in the center to show opulence.
Johannes Nilsson was known for his very crisp painted lines, and symmetry. He is
also known for his faces and the almond shaped eyes of his characters. This makes
his paintings very charming and in high coveted, he was in demand even during his lifetime.

Condition is good, old restoration, , small tears at edges. scattered paint loss and wear consistent with age See less