Crib Image
ca. 1740 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Catholics in many European countries liked to celebrate Christmas by displaying elaborate and theatrical crib scenes such as this. The figures illustrated the story of the Nativity, the birth of Christ. Some examples included a large crowd of figures, as well as the central players in the story, and were designed for use in a large church or convent. This crib was probably designed for a private house, as only the Virgin Mary and St Joseph are shown, with three angels. The figure of the Christ child lying in the manger or cradle, which should have been the centre of the scene, is now lost.
In the eighteenth century, the areas around Naples in Italy and in Bavaria in Southern Germany, were particularly noted for making such figures and figure groups. This nativity scene may have been made in Bavaria. The blue and white lozenges which pattern the floor are found on the coat of arms of the Wittelsbach family, which ruled Bavaria.
In the eighteenth century, the areas around Naples in Italy and in Bavaria in Southern Germany, were particularly noted for making such figures and figure groups. This nativity scene may have been made in Bavaria. The blue and white lozenges which pattern the floor are found on the coat of arms of the Wittelsbach family, which ruled Bavaria.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and gilded pinewood, with glass front and sides, the figures dressed in silks |
| Brief description | Crib image or devotional picture, showing figures of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and three angels, carved and dressed in textiles, against a rococo cartouche in giltwood, all contained within a glass-sided frame in carved and gilded pinewood. The crib and the figure of the Christ child are missing |
| Physical description | Shrine or devotional picture, in the form of a case with glass on three sides, the frame of carved and gilded pinewood. The case is slightly narrower at the front than the back, with canted sides. The case is decorated with carving in rococo style, the interior fitted at the top with a half dome with central pendant. The back is set witha large cartouche, framed in rococo motifs, the ground set with a trellis of giltwood. The case contains carved and dressed figures of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph to either side of a blank central section at the base, which must originally have held a crib with the Christ child. Above are three angels. The floor of the case is decorated with a blue and white lozenge pattern, which may relate to the arms of the house of Wittelsbach, the rulers of Bavaria. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Object history | This case with figures from the Nativity of Christ was purchased from the Pelham Galleries, 155 & 157 Fulham Road, London SW3 for £9.10s. RP 3250/1938. The central crib was missing at the time of purchase. The clothing of the figures was repaired in the Art Workroom of the Museum at the time of purchase. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Catholics in many European countries liked to celebrate Christmas by displaying elaborate and theatrical crib scenes such as this. The figures illustrated the story of the Nativity, the birth of Christ. Some examples included a large crowd of figures, as well as the central players in the story, and were designed for use in a large church or convent. This crib was probably designed for a private house, as only the Virgin Mary and St Joseph are shown, with three angels. The figure of the Christ child lying in the manger or cradle, which should have been the centre of the scene, is now lost. In the eighteenth century, the areas around Naples in Italy and in Bavaria in Southern Germany, were particularly noted for making such figures and figure groups. This nativity scene may have been made in Bavaria. The blue and white lozenges which pattern the floor are found on the coat of arms of the Wittelsbach family, which ruled Bavaria. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.54-1938 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
