The Red Cock (Den Røde Hane)

A painter turned designer, Gerhard Munthe transformed tapestry into a powerful medium for storytelling and national identity. Inspired by Norse mythology, medieval sagas, and Norwegian folklore, Munthe created bold, stylized compositions that fused ornament, narrative, and rhythm.

Working with master weavers such as Frida Hansen, he developed a distinctly Norwegian decorative style—flattened forms, vivid color contrasts, and flowing lines that echo both ancient carvings and modern design..

Exhibited internationally at the turn of the 20th century, Munthe’s woven visions helped define the Nordic contribution to Art Nouveau and established tapestry as a modern art form.

The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo ones an example similar to the one being offered at the Jason Jacques Gallery. One feature worthy of note is that our tapestry has the initials of Sigrun Munthe, SM, woven into the tapestry.

"Gerhard Munthe did not always base his tapestry designs on specific stories. He said that he wanted to create an atmosphere of fairy-tales, mystery and ancient times. He described the subject of "The Red Cock" as: three Princesses walking through a forest, flying over a river and meeting three bears.”

Anne Kjellberg
Gerhard Munthe: Minder og meninger. Kristiania 1919, s. 59.