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DE Breastfeeding mother. Santon de Provence, Jacques Flore. Figure of Bethlehem, France 2005
Dimensions: 60 x 35 x 30 mm
The term "santon" derives from the Provençal word "santoun", which means "little saint" and is used to refer to the nativity figures made of terracotta, typical of Provence, in the south of France. In addition to the "obligatory" figures of the crib (Mary, Jesus, St. Joseph, etc.), the trades, traditions, costumes and typical characters of Provence are represented.
The tradition dates back to the 18th century, when Jean-Louis Lagnel, a Marseille nativity scene maker (1764-1822) replaced the old materials (breadcrumbs, plaster, papier-mâché, etc.) with fired clay (from the Aubagne region).
At Christmas 1223 in Greccio (Piedmont, Italy), St. Francis of Assisi staged a "theatrical" representation of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem with living creatures, inaugurating the tradition of the "nativity" or "crib", which was performed in churches. Some claim that domestic nativity scenes are due to the closure of churches in revolutionary France. In several cities of Provence, "Fêtes de Santons" are held every year, the oldest being the one in Marseille, since 1803 in the Canebière.
Nativity Scenes, such as Jacques FloreThe Marseille museum is to be commended for remembering to include a breastfeeding woman among its figurines.
Gift of Michel Burtin and Annie in 2006.
The term "santon" derives from the Provençal word "santoun", which means "little saint" and is used to refer to the nativity figures made of terracotta, typical of Provence, in the south of France. In addition to the "obligatory" figures of the crib (Mary, Jesus, St. Joseph, etc.), the trades, traditions, costumes and typical characters of Provence are represented.
The tradition dates back to the 18th century, when Jean-Louis Lagnel, a Marseille nativity scene maker (1764-1822) replaced the old materials (breadcrumbs, plaster, papier-mâché, etc.) with fired clay (from the Aubagne region).
At Christmas 1223 in Greccio (Piedmont, Italy), St. Francis of Assisi staged a "theatrical" representation of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem with living creatures, inaugurating the tradition of the "nativity" or "crib", which was performed in churches. Some claim that domestic nativity scenes are due to the closure of churches in revolutionary France. In several cities of Provence, "Fêtes de Santons" are held every year, the oldest being the one in Marseille, since 1803 in the Canebière.
Nativity Scenes, such as Jacques FloreThe Marseille museum is to be commended for remembering to include a breastfeeding woman among its figurines.
Gift of Michel Burtin and Annie in 2006.