17 Nativity themed plates - signed by E. Manfrini - without frame Gilt bronze plaques by engraver Enrico Manfrini, original and unique copies. Subjects presented at the 1951 contest for the Fifth Gate of Milan Cathedral - Theme: the Nativity - The contest winner was Lucio Fontana and Minguzzi came equal second. The contest was announced by Pope Pius XII From a private collection. Without frame The plates have various dimensions, but not larger than 8x5 cm, and a weight of approximately 0.50 grams. They can therefore all be considered as miniatures. Condition as shown in pictures. The only heavier plate has been shown in photos, weight approximately 180 grams. The triptych Nativity of Jesus Christ - Pax hominibus bonae voluntatis - Luke II XIV is also included signed E. Senesi with coat of arms Historical-critical notes: The panel was presented at the contest for the fifth gate of Cathedral of Milan, in 1950 and, along with other selected sketches, it was exhibited at the IX Triennale in Milan in 1951. It also entered the Ospedale Maggiore di Milano collections as a gift from Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini (soon to be Pope Paul VI) to the Church of Santissima Annunziata, at Ca’ Granda, in 1963. Plate dimensions 8 x 5.5 cm The lot also incudes a 7x6 cm plate with the engraved verse from Gregorian Chant Puer Natus in Bethlehem “Puer Natus est nobis et vocabitur princeps pacis” two smaller plates 3 x 6 cm themes: 1. Visit of the Three Wise Men 2. Angels Announce to Shepherds two round plates, 7.5 cm in diameter Shipping method: in single 13.5x7.5x4.5 cm box Free shipping throughout national borders (Italy) Single box wit plates of various dimensions, 400 grams Tracked and insured shipping for the value of the lot both for Europe and overseas subject to international customs if outside EU borders.