Nativity scene - Terracotta, Glass, Textile - Shepherd of Wonder - 24 cm

Antique Neapolitan Nativity Shepherd “The Wonder” - Terracotta and Glass Eyes - Late 19th / Early 20th Century

Description:
A refined antique Neapolitan Nativity shepherd, depicting a commoner/villager in a pose of awe or wonder, gazing upwards with his arms open. The figurine faithfully reflects the conventions of the historic Neapolitan Nativity tradition.
The piece stands out for the excellent expressiveness of the face and the quality of its anatomical details.
Main features:
Head: Finely modeled polychrome terracotta, hand-painted.
Eyes: Set-in glass, a feature that lends realism and depth to the character’s gaze.
Hands and Feet: Handcrafted (probably made of terracotta/wood, as was traditional).
Body: Made with the classic internal wire structure covered in tow/hemp, which gives the pose flexibility and expressiveness.
Clothing: Period garments made of fabric, consisting of a green jacket with decorative trim, an embroidered geometric-patterned waistcoat, and corduroy trousers.
Dimensions:
Height: 24 cm

Condition:
The item is in good overall condition, considering its age. It shows the normal and charming signs of age on the fabric (minor fraying) and a few slight traces of wear to the paint on the footwear, attesting to its authenticity and age (please examine the photographs carefully). No recent invasive restoration is visible. Unsigned, like the vast majority of period pieces from Neapolitan workshops.
Tracked shipping and careful packaging to ensure the piece remains intact. Height: 24 cm.

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Antique Neapolitan Crib Shepherd “The Wonder” - Terracotta & Glass Eyes - Late 19th / Early 20th Century
Description:
A refined and antique Neapolitan Nativity shepherd (pastore), depicting a villager/commoner in a posture of awe or wonder, with his gaze directed upwards and arms wide open. This figurine faithfully reflects the strict canons of the historic Parthenopean crib tradition.
The piece stands out for the excellent expressiveness of the face and the detailed anatomical craftsmanship.
Main Features:
* Head: Finely modeled and hand-painted polychrome terracotta.
* Eyes: Inlaid glass eyes, a quality feature that adds realism and depth to the character's gaze.
* Hands and Feet: Artfully handcrafted (according to the Neapolitan tradition).
* Body: Made with the classic internal wire structure covered in tow/hemp (stoppa), allowing flexible and expressive posing.
* Clothing: Period clothing made of fabric, featuring a green jacket with decorative trim, a patterned embroidered vest, and corduroy trousers.
Dimensions:
* Height: 24 cm
Condition Report:
The item is in good overall condition, considering its age. It shows normal and charming signs of wear on the fabric (minor fraying) and slight paint wear on the shoes, which attest to its authenticity and age (please review the photo gallery carefully). No visible recent or invasive restorations. Unsigned, as was standard practice for the vast majority of period pieces from Neapolitan workshops.