Ole Nilsen Weierholt (December 29, 1718 – December 14, 1792)[1] was a wood carver, primarily known as a pattern maker for ironworks in Nedenes county, Norway,[2] especially for the Næs Ironworks.
[1] He created wooden patterns in the Rococo style for cast-iron stoves, and has been referred to as the "Rococo Master of Southern Norway" (Norwegian: Sørlandets rokokkomester).
[3][4] Weierholt was born in Sagene in Austre Moland, today part of the municipality of Arendal.
[6] Weierholt created many casting patterns for the Næs Ironworks; he is especially known for the pattern "the chamberlain from Ethiopia" (Kammersvenden av Morland),[1] which he copied from an older model.
The theme is based on the story of "Philip and the Ethiopian" (Acts 8:26–39), and it was also used in Rembrandt's painting The Baptism of the Eunuch.