From the Sacred to the Profane—the Art Institute's Neapolitan Creche Has it All!

Tucked away in a clandestine corner of the second floor, the Art Institute’s spectacular Neapolitan Créche is an absolute must-see during the holiday season. Acquired in 2013 from the Italian connoisseur and collector, Vincenzo Porcini, this magnificent example was created in Naples during the 18th and 19th centuries by some of the most noteworthy painters, architects, sculptors and craftspeople of the time and place. Featuring over two hundred figures modeled in terracotta and attired in fine silks, the tableau is presented with Baroque theatricality in a ceiling-to-floor 19th century wood cabinet assembled from salvaged historical components. This aspect of the work was designed and constructed by Alfredo Laino, a specialist in Neapolitan créche scenography, in 2011. The elaborate gilded cornice, for example, came from an antique organ. Mr. Laino and a team of experts reassembled the créche after it shipped to Chicago from Naples.

In 18th century Naples, large créches were dislayed in churches and royal palaces where they inspired prayer, conversation, and even delighted tourists. As in all Nativity scenes, the Art Institute's créche tells the story of the birth of Jesus with familiar characters such as Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men, angels, and shepherds. Surrounding these sacred images are vibrant scenes of every day 18th century Neapolitan life— street vendors, the countryside—even a raucous tavern. Standing before this créche, we become voyeurs of both the mundane and the miraculous. While Biblical figures are shown dressed appropriately in Classical drapery, the ordinary people of Naples are shown in contemporary 18th century attire.

THE SACRED

At the center, we see Mary holding Jesus under a modest stone and wood structure. A haloed Joseph stands behind her. The Wise Man Melchior (from the Gospel of Matthew) wears a resplendent red robe and has removed his crown in a show of respect. He holds a container (possibly of gold), and offers the Christ Child an abundance of baskets overflowing with fruit.

From the Gospel of Luke, we see an angel announcing to the shepherds that the savior, Jesus Christ, has been born. Many other angels appear bringing messages of peace and good will. As in Baroque painting, the fabric of their costumes “billows” in the wind, held in place by copper wire sewn into the hem. The synthesis of Nativity imagery from Matthew and Luke in a single work of art has appeared in Christian art as early as the fifth century.

THE PROFANE

To the right of the Holy Family, an ancient sculpture of Hercules appears within a Roman ruin. His presence symbolizes the triumph of Christianity over earlier polytheistic religions. A Muslim (wearing a tall velvet hat), a pygmie with a monkey on a chain, and other people of color, represent Naples as a cosmopolitan port city that included people from many different cultures. Interestingly, pygmyies appear in Nilotic murals excavated in nearby Pompeii from 79 CE.

In the tavern, a musician plays his instrument, cured meats dangle from a post, and vendors sell local delicacies such as ricotta cheese in cone-shaped baskets. The tavern serves as a metaphor for the inn that turned Mary and Joseph away on the night of Jesus' birth.

To appreciate the magnitude of detail and incredible craftsmanship of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Neapolitan Créche, it must be viewed in person. Due to the delicacy of the fabrics, made at the royal silk factory founded by Ferdinand IV of Naples in 1789, the Neapolitan Crèche can only be displayed for a few weeks every year from December to early January. Be sure to include a trip to the Art Institute in your holiday plans this year. You won't be disappointed!

All photos by Denise Laurin

Questions or comments? Contact denise@deniselaurinvisualart.com