The nativity scene was produced in the workshop of Cantone e Costabile, heirs and perpetuators of a tradition of nativity scenes that became famous throughout Europe in the eighteenth century. The workshop donated its artistic and architectural work entitled Francis 1223-Francis 2013 to His Eminence, Crecenzio Cardinal Sepe, Archbishop of Naples, and the Cardinal in turn offered it in homage to Pope Francis. The tradition of building nativity scenes dates back to the time of Saint Francis of Assisi.
The backdrop for the Vatican crib will depict a scene typical of the region of Campagnia where Naples is located, and the scene will include sixteen figures dressed in eighteenth century Neopolitan costumes. The master craftsmen have maintained the expressiveness of the faces while raising the height of each figure from thirty centimetres to two metres.
While representing all the various classes, the figures also reflect all the various stages of life, from infancy to old age. Alongside a young nobleman is a gypsy woman dressed in rags, an elderly woman accompanied by two children and the Three Kings who walk alongside peasants. The heads, hands and feet of the figures are made of multi-coloured terracotta and their eyes are created from crystal glass. The nativity has been created with the generous assistance of several benefactors in order to minimize the cost incurred by the Governatorate of the Vatican City State.
Tomorrow, the Christmas tree will arrive in Saint Peter's Square. It was grown in the forests of Bavaria, Germany and is a gift from the community of Waldmuenchen. It measures twenty-five metres in height and has a diameter of 98 centimetres. Following the Christmas season, the wood of the trunk from this tree will be used for the construction of toys and other small objects for everyday use.
No comments:
Post a Comment