Neapolitan Nativity Woman in Traditional Dress Figure, 1780s

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This rare, antique Neapolitan nativity figure from the 18th century represents a woman in traditional dress with a distinctive head … Read more This rare, antique Neapolitan nativity figure from the 18th century represents a woman in traditional dress with a distinctive head covering, a vivid example of the skill and cultural richness of Neapolitan craftsmanship. Originating from Naples, where nativity scenes held significant social and artistic importance, such figures captured the essence of everyday Neapolitan life in great detail. The tradition of crafting extensive nativity displays, portraying the city’s bustling streets and the array of its professions, was a privilege enjoyed primarily by the nobility and the wealthy merchant class. These elaborate scenes symbolized status and were often the focal point of yearly competitions among Naples’ prominent families, particularly during the reign of King Charles III of Bourbon, who is said to have personally participated in the annual nativity arrangements in his palace.

Artisans of the famed Capodimonte porcelain factory were primarily responsible for creating these figures, especially their terracotta heads, known for delicate, lifelike facial features. The eyes, made of painted glass, lend each figure an arresting, lifelike gaze, while the body structure combines bast fiber, wire, and wood for stability. Skilled textile weavers crafted high-quality garments for these figures, carefully designed to reflect period styles, with wires sewn into the hems to allow for precise, dramatic draping. The gestures of each figure are rooted in the Neapolitan street scenes they emulate, but also draw from the rich gestural language found in 18th-century art, underscoring the character diversity and emotional depth of the scene. In addition, these nativities often included meticulously crafted miniatures—known as finimenti—which ranged from foodstuffs and household items to musical instruments, vividly illustrating the material culture of 18th-century Naples.

This particular piece embodies the era’s dedication to realism and artistry, capturing the vitality and spirit of Neapolitan life in a scale that resonates with collectors and historians alike. See less