The Jar That Was a Mountain

Creator

Unknown

Preview

Creation Date

Unknown

Medium

terracotta, cardboard, cork

Exhibition Label

This set wants to convey drama. Its setting is the stage its scenery the customary ruins of Italian crèches and the actors strike poses of reverence and submissiveness. They are clothed in flowing robes indicating wealth and refinement for the magi and decently covered shabbiness for the others the Holy Family and the lone shepherd. In the wings are standing more actors waiting their turn to enter the scene. The backdrop reaches far into a landscape painted in colors of chiaro-scuro suggesting a battle between darkness and light. The main pointer for this Christmas message are the ruins. The monuments and temples of pre-Christian cultures are slowly disintegrating and collapsing. Out of their ruins are growing new life and a new culture. Growth and development will not be easy. Light and darkness will clash frequently but the Child in the manger will be a constant measuring rod for goodness and evil.

Description

Jar that has been cut to house nativity scene depicting the nativity of Jesus, created by an unknown artist in Spain. The date of creation is unknown. Exhibition label originally written by Fr. Johann G. Roten, S.M. for exhibit entitled "At The Manger" and held at Roesch Library, University of Dayton.

Rights

This material may be protected by U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code) and/or international copyright law. The material is available for personal, educational, and scholarly use. It is the responsibility of the researcher to locate and obtain permission from the copyright owner(s) or heirs for any other use, such as reproduction and publication.