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DE Nursing mother. Santon, Jouve, Nativity Scene Figure-1, France 2005
Mother breastfeeding, Static nativity scene figurine. Santon Provence, Jouve, Luynes - Aix-en-Provence.
Dimensions: 54 x 34 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 the domestic nativity scenes in breadcrumbs 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 scene makers such as Roger Jouve (Aix-en-Provence, 1932), in Luynes, are to be commended for remembering to include a breastfeeding woman among his figurines, such as this beautiful "Nurse".
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 the domestic nativity scenes in breadcrumbs 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 scene makers such as Roger Jouve (Aix-en-Provence, 1932), in Luynes, are to be commended for remembering to include a breastfeeding woman among his figurines, such as this beautiful "Nurse".