World Nativity Traditions
Title
Preview
Creation Date
Unknown
Medium
clay
Exhibition Label
Earth-bound and sturdy, figures of the earth painfully emerging from the formless mass of grayish clay: This is one of the first impressions conveyed by this set. Solid, stable, and powerful, say the figures for themselves. The general atmosphere is one of great intensity and concentration, of a huddled mass centered on the Christ Child. The faces are marked by the lines of time and the furrows of hardship and pain. But there is also the light of a smile coming from within. It timidly wanders around the faces to eventually co-mingle and fuse with the golden halos and caps. From the earth, the figures have achieved some freedom from the earth. Enough freedom to greet and cherish the one who came from heaven.
Description
Eight pieces made of gray clay, hand molded, fired,and trimmed in gold. Exhibition label originally written by Fr. Johann G. Roten, S.M. for exhibit entitled "Elisabeth's Nativity House: The van Mullekom Collection" held at Roesch Library, University of Dayton.
Rights
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Keywords
crèches, nativity scenes, nativities, At the Manger, figurines, Jesus Christ