Presepio

This Italian nativity scene, called a presepio, was probably made for a northern Italian family. Within the diorama, which is decorated with silk flowers and shells, are sixty hand-carved alabaster figures. The placement of the Holy Family in a grotto-like setting is typical of Italian nativity scenes. Presepi were in widespread use by 1650. By the 1700s, making presepi had developed into a specialized trade. Artisans called figurari constructed large, highly realistic nativities for churches and wealthy Italian families. These scenes often featured a village inn and shops, with an abundance of items from everyday life. Although many families could afford to purchase simpler presepi like this one from local tradesmen, people of more modest means constructed their own nativity scenes from wood or clay.