Neapolitan Santon Crib Earth Paper Mache Man Beggar Sculpture 19th Century

Neapolitan santon* (nativity scene character) in earth and papier-mâché, representing a bearded man holding out his arm, most likely a beggar, from Naples - Italy, from the 19th century. This santon is in its original condition. Please note: accidents and missing parts on the hands and feet (missing a foot/lower leg, a hand), dirt and wear from time, look carefully at the photos. We have other Neapolitan santons for sale on this site. * Neapolitan santons: Neapolitan nativity scenes are very different from those seen in churches due to the importance of secular scenes. They are not limited to depicting the nativity, the baby Jesus surrounded by the holy family, but are vast compositions with abundant decorations and multiple characters, often involving the best artists. Its spectacular character and its scenographic richness are only possible thanks to the activity of several artists and craftsmen (architects, sculptors, painters, goldsmiths, ceramists, tailors, etc.). Indeed, thanks to their imagination, they managed to reproduce the daily life of the Neapolitans of the 17th and 18th centuries. The elegance of the figuration and the finesse of execution of these santons also reveals the quality of the know-how of the Neapolitan craftsmen. The market, the hotel, the dances, the street vendors, the beggars, the tavern, the different trades, the guarding of the herds, the royal procession, and everything that was within the reach of everyday life or fantasy, had its place in the Neapolitan nativity scenes testifies to the richness and variety of this artisanal production. Height: 31 cm Reference: 840 160 All the photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com