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| Naples, Italy, “Nativity Scene (Crèche)”, mid-18th century. Polychromed terracotta, painted wood, and fabric, on a later support. Dimensions variable. Gift of Loretta Howard Sturgis, M2006.9.1-.20. Photo by John R. Glembin. |
Around this time each year the [Milwaukee Art] Museum places its beloved Neapolitan crèche in the galleries. But because the Museum is temporarily closed through the holiday season, we unfortunately can’t share the crèche with you in person. I invite you, however, to read on to learn more about it, and about the history of restaging the Nativity scene. The origin of the popular Christmas tradition of restaging the Nativity scene is usually credited to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223. It was in eighteenth-century Naples that the custom reached its artistic height. Neapolitan nobles and aristocrats vied to outdo each other in presenting theatrical crèche (or presepio) displays with elaborate figures clothed in luxurious costumes. [
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| Naples, Italy, “Nativity Scene (Crèche)”, mid–18th century (detail). Polychromed terracotta, painted wood, and fabric, on a later support. Dimensions variable. Gift of Loretta Howard Sturgis, M2006.9.1-.20. Photo by John R. Glembin. |
