Nativity Scene in Church of Santa Maria La Nova

Sculptural compositions depicting the Birth of Jesus and related events appeared in Italian monasteries in the 15th century and by the beginning of the 19th century had spread throughout the Catholic world. In Naples, nativity scenes have a special meaning, so in many churches they can be seen during Easter Week. The Neapolitan nativity scene, in addition to biblical scenes, also depicts the daily life of ordinary people. Here, in the center of the composition, we see the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem, while the residents of the city are engaged in everyday activities: cooking, dining, walking. I must say that the life of the people is shown too idyllic. This is explained by the fact that the first nativity scenes outside the church appeared in the homes of the aristocracy, which had a vague idea of the real life of peasants and artisans.

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