PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH

This term is a misnomer, as the immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 17th century were predominately German (“Deutsch”).  However, the term remained and the folk art which evolved in the new country is now known as Pennsylvania Dutch style.  It is characterized by a charmingly naïve quality, using bold colours and simple stroke designs to decorate dower chests, boxes, trays, coffee pots and other household items.  Frakturs (certificates to commemorate special occasions such as births and marriages) were painted in watercolours with elaborate decorations and lettered in gothic German.