Naples, 18th Century, Nativity Scene Figures

Naples, 18th century

Nativity scene figures

Painted terracotta and fabric, height approx. approx. 19–35 cm.

The two figures shown in the image belong to the great Neapolitan Nativity scene tradition of the late 18th century, a period of extraordinary artistic flourishing that saw Neapolitan workshops rise to become a European benchmark in the production of shepherds and Nativity scene figures. These are two painted terracotta figurines, with garments made of real fabric applied directly to the figures, following the technique typical of the Neapolitan school, which lends the compositions a particularly distinctive realism and liveliness.

The first figure, taller and set on a circular dark wood base, depicts a young man with a noble and elegant appearance, featuring wavy blond hair and a finely crafted, smooth face. He wears an ivory-colored robe with gold trim and a thin belt at the waist; the gesture of his right hand, with his fingers slightly raised, suggests a pose of conversation or blessing. The second figure depicts an elderly, bearded man with pronounced features and an intense expression, clad in olive-green garments and a wide ochre-yellow cloak. His bowed posture and open hands convey devotion and reverence.

These works are fully in line with the tradition of the Neapolitan workshops active between the second half of the 18th century and the early 19th century, during which masters such as Giuseppe Sanmartino and the Mosca brothers elevated the nativity figure to levels of absolute sculptural excellence.