Nativity scene - Earthenware, Glass, Textile - Young Shepherd Setting Out - 20 cm

Antique Neapolitan Nativity Shepherd – 20th Century – Young Shepherd on the Move

Splendid and authentic Neapolitan nativity shepherd figure depicting a young shepherd, dating from the 20th century. This piece embodies the classic, fine craftsmanship of the period.

Head: Hand-painted polychrome terracotta, with an intense, realistic facial expression and gaze tilted slightly downward and forward.

Character: Young Shepherd / Shepherd on the Move. In the Neapolitan nativity tradition, figures with open arms and hands in this position play a dynamic role in the scene: they point the way to the Grotto or converse with the other travelers.

Body and Limbs: Wire armature covered with hemp stuffing, allowing the limbs to be posed. Finely sculpted and painted hands and feet. Clothing and Accessories: Original period clothing consisting of a matching cloth jacket and short trousers, a small cape over the shoulders, a felt hat, green stockings, and the typical leather shoulder bag (scarsella).

Overall height: approx. 21–23 cm.
Condition: Good antique condition, with normal, natural signs of age on the fabrics, as shown in the photographs. Shipping: Extremely careful and highly secure professional packaging.

In the traditional Neapolitan nativity scene:
Gesture and expression: His gaze is tilted slightly downward and forward, and his hands are open and extended downward/forward, a typical nativity-scene gesture used to show the way, point toward the Grotto, or converse with the other figures in the scene.
Clothing and details: He wears a typical felt/cloth hat, a scarf around his neck, a small cape over his shoulders, and a leather shoulder strap with a scarsella (the shepherd's bag), as well as characteristic short trousers and colorful stockings.

[ENG]
Antique Neapolitan Nativity Figure – Young Shepherd in Motion – 20th Century
Authentic Neapolitan nativity figure (pastore) depicting a young shepherd, dating from the early 20th century.
Head: Hand-painted polychrome terracotta head with realistic, expressive facial features turned slightly downward and forward.
Character: A Young Shepherd (Giovane Pastore / Pastore in cammino). In the traditional Neapolitan crib setup, figures with open, gesturing hands like this one serve to guide the scene—pointing the way toward the Nativity scene or conversing with fellow travelers.
Body & Limbs: Wire armature covered with hemp stuffing; finely carved and painted wooden/terracotta hands and feet.
Clothing & Accessories: Original period clothing including a cloth jacket, matching short breeches, shoulder cloak, felt cap, green stockings, and a leather shoulder pouch/bag (scarsella).
Total Height: approx. 21–23 cm.
Condition: Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear and minor imperfections on fabrics as shown in photos.

In the traditional Neapolitan nativity scene:
Gesture and expression: He has a head slightly tilted forward and open hands reaching downward and forward—a typical gesture used in the nativity scene to show the way, point toward the Grotto, or converse with other characters in the scene.
Clothing and details: He wears a typical felt or cloth hat, a neck scarf, a shoulder cloak, and a leather strap with a scarsella (the shepherd's pouch), along with the characteristic short breeches and colorful stockings.
Shipping: Professional, highly protective packaging.