Per Lysne (December 8, 1880 – September 21, 1947) was a Norwegian-American artist most associated with bringing the traditional Norwegian folk art of Rosemåling to the United States.^{[1] [2]}

Biography

Per A. Lysne was born on the Ljøsne farm in Lærdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway.^[3][4] He had been trained in rosemaling by Anders Olsen, an artist whose work was recognized at the Exposition Universelle at Paris in 1893. Lysne married Ingeborg Nundal (1882–1940) in 1906.^[3] Lysne and his wife immigrated to Stoughton, Wisconsin in 1907.^[5] After the death of his first wife, Lysne married Olga Ethun (1882–1956) in 1945.^[5] He died at a Stoughton hospital in 1947 following a heart attack.^[5]

Lysne specialized in redecorating antique chests and painting large platters. He developed a thriving rosemaling enterprise and taught the art to a select few. His signature piece, the smorgasbord plate, was not an object that typically had been decorated, but Lysne's new form had a pervasive influence.^[6][7] Lysne also decorated home interiors in southeastern Wisconsin.^{[3][8][9][10]}

The Stoughton Historical Museum has an exhibit devoted to Lysne's work. The Per Lysne Collection is maintained at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.^{[11] [12]}