Nativity scene - Neapolitan Nativity Figure - 28 cm - Wood, Earthenware

Antique Neapolitan Nativity Figure – Late 18th / Early 19th century – Terracotta with glass eyes – 28 cm

Ancient female figure belonging to the Neapolitan Nativity tradition, dated to the end of the 18th century and the early decades of the 19th century.

The head is hand-sculpted in polychrome terracotta, with inserted glass eyes that give great realism and theatrical expressiveness. The tilt of the head and the sidelong gaze are typical of the great Neapolitan Nativity season between the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Hands and feet in carved and polychromed wood. The body is articulated in kapok (stoppa) with a traditional internal armor.

Height: 28 cm.

The figure retains decorative necklaces composed of red coral elements and beads, typical of the Neapolitan popular dress of the period and symbolically linked to Southern tradition.

The garments feature antique fabrics with lace and trims sewn by hand.

Condition:
The polychromy is original and shows natural wear and crazing compatible with age.
There is a vertical crack in the terracotta due to the natural shrinkage of the material over time.
A slight loss of material is noted in the area of the left nostril, consistent with the age of the piece and not the subject of invasive restorations.