Key Objects
Drykkjarhorn lögréttumanns. Eign Þjóðminjasafns Dana.

Drinking Horn

Key Object for the Time Period 1600-1800

This drinking horn was carved by farmer Brynjólfur Jónsson of Skarð, South Iceland. Brynjólfur was a skilled carver, and he probably lived partly by his art, as many examples of his work are known.

The horn is carved with scenes from the Old and New Testaments. At the top is the Wedding at Cana, where Christ turned water into wine; the tableware depicted is as used at the Brynjólfur’s time. Judith is seen slaying the Assyrian commander Holofernes and at the bottom Joab is slaying Absolom, son of King David. Absolom hangs from an oak tree by his hair, and his mule runs off. At the point of the horn is a man in the maw of a dragon. The horn is dated 1598 with the name of Þorleifur Ásmundsson, Brynjólfur’s brother-in-law, who commissioned the horn. He was a member of the Law Council.

The names and works of 17th and 18th century craftsmen are largely forgotten. Brynjólfur Jónsson is the first Icelandic artist known nationally for his work. His work and that of his contemporaries demonstrates interaction between traditionalism and international artistic trends. Three other drinking horns by Brynjólfur are known, all in collections abroad. His best-known works are whalebone panels from Skarð Church.



Útlit síðu:

Þetta vefsvæði byggir á Eplica