painted folk art chest with figurative motifs

The painted folk art chest, with its bold yet subdued colors, features touching depictions of figures such as Mary, Jesus, Leonard, and Anna. The painting is naive in the best sense of the word and comes straight from the heart. The various shades of blue and red possess depth and patina. The painter’s joy was evident. All four sides of the chest have been painted. While the front panel’s design allows for artistic expression, the remaining three sides are adorned with clear geometric forms. The lid features the monograms of Mary and Christ. The bold fillings and spandrels lend the front panel a three-dimensional quality and frame each individual image. The lovely rows of flowers between the panels underscore the heartwarming quality. The chest has matching iron bands, a lock, and a key, all in perfect condition. A special peasant chest from around 1800 that speaks to the viewer.