Set of 4 Neapolitan Nativity Shepherds - 30 cm (4) - Papier-mache - 1970-1980
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Selected by Clément Floch
Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
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Description from the seller
Extraordinary set of 4 Neapolitan nativity scene shepherd figures (scene figures) - 1700s/1800s style
A Dive into the Neapolitan Craftsmanship Tradition
This exceptional group of four Neapolitan-style shepherd figurines (or 'scene figurines') is a superb testament to nativity scene art, rooted in the 18th and 19th centuries. Ideal for enriching a historic nativity scene or as collectible folk art pieces, these figures capture the essence of popular life and religious tradition in Southern Italy.
Details and Handmade Materials
The figures present the typical characteristics of high-quality nativity craftsmanship.
Testa e Arti: Hand-painted in polychrome terracotta with realistic expressions and a patina to evoke the wear of time and rural life.
Bodies: Made with an internal core (wood or wire) and covered in hemp bark or similar materials, to shape the body.
Clothing: The garments are made from vintage or intentionally aged fabrics, draped with great skill to create movement and volume (in the style of 'papier-mâché' or 'rabbit glue' on the fabrics). The colors (burnt red, bottle green, light blue) are typical of popular representation.
Accessories: Each figure is equipped with accessories that define its role: baskets of bread and fruit, bundles, shepherd's staffs.
Bases: The figures rest on solid wooden bases to ensure stability and ease of placement.
The Represented Figures
The lot includes four prominent figures of the nativity scene:
The Man with the Bundle (on the left): Dressed with a wide-brimmed hat and a red/brown cloak. He carries a bundle (perhaps of wood or empty baskets), symbolizing work and the journey.
The Woman with the Bread: A central figure, dressed in red and blue, with her head covered. She holds a basket overflowing with bread, symbolizing prosperity and offering to the Child.
The Elderly Woman with the Basket: A mature figure, dressed in a gray cloak and a white apron. She carries a wicker basket in her hand, a common accessory in representations of common folk.
The Shepherd (on the right): The figure of the shepherd or wanderer, with a wide-brimmed hat and modest clothing. He holds his staff in hand, ready to guide the flock.
Extraordinary set of 4 Neapolitan nativity scene shepherd figures (scene figures) - 1700s/1800s style
A Dive into the Neapolitan Craftsmanship Tradition
This exceptional group of four Neapolitan-style shepherd figurines (or 'scene figurines') is a superb testament to nativity scene art, rooted in the 18th and 19th centuries. Ideal for enriching a historic nativity scene or as collectible folk art pieces, these figures capture the essence of popular life and religious tradition in Southern Italy.
Details and Handmade Materials
The figures present the typical characteristics of high-quality nativity craftsmanship.
Testa e Arti: Hand-painted in polychrome terracotta with realistic expressions and a patina to evoke the wear of time and rural life.
Bodies: Made with an internal core (wood or wire) and covered in hemp bark or similar materials, to shape the body.
Clothing: The garments are made from vintage or intentionally aged fabrics, draped with great skill to create movement and volume (in the style of 'papier-mâché' or 'rabbit glue' on the fabrics). The colors (burnt red, bottle green, light blue) are typical of popular representation.
Accessories: Each figure is equipped with accessories that define its role: baskets of bread and fruit, bundles, shepherd's staffs.
Bases: The figures rest on solid wooden bases to ensure stability and ease of placement.
The Represented Figures
The lot includes four prominent figures of the nativity scene:
The Man with the Bundle (on the left): Dressed with a wide-brimmed hat and a red/brown cloak. He carries a bundle (perhaps of wood or empty baskets), symbolizing work and the journey.
The Woman with the Bread: A central figure, dressed in red and blue, with her head covered. She holds a basket overflowing with bread, symbolizing prosperity and offering to the Child.
The Elderly Woman with the Basket: A mature figure, dressed in a gray cloak and a white apron. She carries a wicker basket in her hand, a common accessory in representations of common folk.
The Shepherd (on the right): The figure of the shepherd or wanderer, with a wide-brimmed hat and modest clothing. He holds his staff in hand, ready to guide the flock.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Object name
Set of 4 Neapolitan Nativity Shepherds - 30 cm
Paper type
Papier-mache
No. of items
4
Material
Earthenware, Paper
Country of Origin
Italy
Height
30 cm
Width
8 cm
Depth
8 cm
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Estimated Period
1970-1980
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