For centuries at Christmas, Christians have set up devotional crèches, three-dimensional Nativity scenes that they normally display in their homes, churches, and stores until Jan. 6. That day, Epiphany, is celebrated as the time when the divinity of Jesus was revealed to the Magi, or wise men. These three wise men were the first Gentiles (non-Jews) to meet him.
St. Francis of Assisi (circa 1182–1226) popularized the crèche tradition, which experts believe originated much earlier.
Each year, staff at the Art Institute of Chicago continue this tradition when they set up an 18th-century Neapolitan crèche of over 200 terracotta figures, including 50 animals and 41 still-life objects. Since 2013, visitors have been able to delight in the Nativity display, which is on show for only a few weeks due to the figures’ fragile silk and embroidered costumes.
Traditionally, the crèche genre of sacred art sets biblical scenes in a contemporary environment. In the Institute’s crèche, angels, shepherds, and the three wise men greet the holy family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus among ancient ruins while 18th-century Neapolitan locals go about their daily lives.
Each of the 18th- and 19th-century crèche pieces in the Institute’s display was made for devotion. But look closely and you'll see that the size, style, and quality of the figures differ; fine craftsmen made some figures, while artisans crafted others. Often, many hands made each crèche figure. Sometimes, well-known artists created the terracotta head and shoulders, and the rest of the figure was completed by lesser artists, artisans, or even nuns. Artists painted the clay to animate each character. They then created bodies from twine and wire, adding many materials—from wax and cork to the finest embroidered silk—to bring each figure to life. For instance, artists stitched fine copper wire into the hems of the angels’ costumes to give the appearance of an angel fluttering in flight.
Many of the figures’ fine costumes were handmade and embroidered by the families who collected them. These collectors also added accessories to the figures, such as gilded censers, daggers, and silver filigree baskets.
Institute visitors can see the crèche in an authentic setting created by Alfredo Laino, a renowned Neapolitan crèche scenographer, who was commissioned in 2011 by the crèche’s former owner, Naples art dealer Vincenzo Porcini.
