In past holiday seasons, we’ve spent lots of time blogging about presepe or nativity scenes. No doubt we’ll be back at it when the Rome enters into the Christmas crescendo in a few weeks.
Being perfectly aware, of course, that not all of our readers will have the chance to admire shepherds, angels, kings, and babies in Piazza Navona (or on the streets of Naples from whence they hail), we offer an alternative for those of you who are Texans or who will be passing through the Lone Star State during the holidays.
This Christmas season, Ft. Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum plays host to an extraordinary loan from Naples, Italy: a magnificent, 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene. The presepe (the word comes from the Latin word for “crib,” praesepium) features more than 70 figures and animals that average about 15 inches tall and will be displayed in the traditional manner with a realistic, rocky setting and a crumbling Roman arch.
In Renaissance Italy, presepe figures were generally large (often life-size) and installed in churches. The tradition of presepe took exceptionally strong root in Naples during the 18th century, a period of great political stability and economic boom. The Kimbell presepe showcases a form of art that today seems almost inseparable from the celebration of Christmas—the arrangement of movable figures, animals and props to represent the scene in the stable at Bethlehem after the birth of Christ.
Supervising the installation is the leading expert on presepe, Elio Catello, whose family has collected and installed presepi since the early 19th century. He learned the art from his grandfather, Vincenzo, and his father, Roberto, and has passed it on to his daughter, Roberta, who will also accompany the presepe to the Kimbell.
Seeing a fully installed presepe is a rare treat. The Kimbell’s presepe will be on view throughout the holiday season, from November 25, 2008, to January 25, 2009. There is no charge for admission to this exhibition.
