European Sculpture & Works of Art

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Lot 137
  • 137

Italy, 1750-60

bidding is closed

Description

  • A terracotta nativity scene
  • Signed: Brolio in greek lettering and dated in attic numerals 175?
Nativity scene on the left within rustic and classicising architectural setting, signed and dated above the right-hand arch ALEXNDH / BROLIO SNE / EPOIEI ETEI / CP(h)HHP(a)P(p)III, with cameo scene to right of arch inscribed ROMA

Catalogue Note

It has often been stated that the origin and tradition of the Christmas crèche was the crib set up in the forest of Grecchio in Umbria in 1233 by Francis of Assisi for the Christmas Mass. This tradition was particularly popular in Italy from the seventeenth and eighteenth century  with the major centres of production in Sicily, Naples and Genoa.  The sculptor of the present crèche signed Brolio is apparently unrecorded.