NEAPOLITAN CARVED AND POLYCHROMED CRÈCHE FIGURE OF AN ANGEL

Italy, circa second half of the 18th-century

14 3/4" H x 5" D x 6 1/2" W [dimensions approximate]

ref. 511CMB09X

An exquisite carved and polychromed Neapolitan crèche figure of an angel in early garments, the figure likely originally held a censor in her now lost fingertips. Typical of the best workshops in Naples, the body of the angel is made of tow and wire, allowing the figure's arms and legs to be positioned at as seen fit. The head and shoulders are modeled of terracotta and polychromed with exacting realism; note her stunning crisp glass eyes, which were inset into the terracotta. The arms/hands and legs/feet are carved from wood. The figure retains her exquisite early (and likely original) garments of a fabulous provincial flair. 

These figures were often employed as ornaments for Christmas trees or in larger Nativity scenes. During the 18th-century, the wealthy families of Napoli became entirely fascinated by crèche figures and found themselves competing to commission the most impressive collections. Don Carlos of Bourbon was known to have a collection of more than 5,000 crèche figures while he ruled Sicily and Naples from 1734 through 1769.

A rare and very fine example.

Condition: Garment is probably original and with substantial loss and degradation. Original polychroming throughout with chipping and loss. Losses to the fingers on both hands, lesser losses to the toes. We have not removed the clothing to examine for the presence of mounting points for wings (if ever present, these now absent) - however, there does appear to be wire beneath the red shawl at the shoulder blade and a single hole in the right shoulder blade along with an associated hole in her dress.