While the first nativity scene is widely attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, by the 13th and 14th centuries they were ubiquitous throughout Italy. It was in Naples, however, under the rule of Charles VII (later becoming King Charles III of Spain) that the art of the crèche was elevated to a high decorative art form as he wanted to compete with the artistry in other European courts. His passion (he owned over 6,000 créches) inspired other aristocrats, the court and eventually the public to create their own, including not only religious scenes but the culture of every day life in Naples. At Colnaghi gallery in London, a current exhibit celebrates “the enduring creative legacy of Old Master Artists and artisans from Naples,” showcasing a monumental Neapolitan Baroque crèche, also known as a presepe. Below, renowned scholar of 18th-century Neapolitan art, Carmine Romano explores the history and craftsmanship of this installation at the gallery.

As detailed in the Colnaghi catalogue, “When this art form was a living expression of the reality of its own time, no less attention was paid to the figures, the animals, the artifacts, and even the most minute details than to the overall scene. It was then that a felicitous confluence of the three elements necessary for this artistic genre occurred: first, rich patrons competing among themselves to see who could produce the most beautiful crèche; second, artists skilled in modeling clay or in woodcarving brought to these small-scale arts the same technical genius applied to the larger marble monuments in palaces and churches; third, an intellectual environment that reconciled the Neapolitan people’s sense of Catholicism with the open-mindedness of the Enlightenment and the originality of popular entertainment.”

photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum

Today, the tradition continues, including the Metropolitan Museum, which each year displays its own 18th century Neapolitan nativity scene under their magnificent tree, above, in front of the 18th c. Spanish choir screen from the Cathedral of Valladolid. And it was childhood visits to the “angel tree” at the Met that inspired designer Mario Pollan, co-owner with his partner Daniel, of M & D Farm, the magical setting where my son recently had his wedding, to start collecting handmade figures of his own.

Fascinated by the artistry of the beautiful miniatures, from the lavish costumes to detailed heads of painted terracotta and painted glass eyes, Mario designs and creates a spectacular stage for his collections, all handmade by artisans who fabricate these figurines employing the same techniques used in the Neapolitan crèches 250 years ago.

As Mario explained to me, “I’ve been collecting for the last twenty years. The figures are made of terracotta and wood but the body is a wired hemp that makes them fully articulated and the clothes are real fabrics.

Every pieces is separate and functional, from the utensils and dishes to chairs etc… a little over the top, but I love the decadent baroque opulence of it all. One of the aspects I find fascinating is that this art form and craftsmanship has never died and continues to be produced in the 21st century.”

four photos above courtesy of Mario Pollan and Daniel Buenos

Thank you to Mario for sharing your magnificent work and cheers to a legacy of craftsmanship from Naples and beyond.