Lot number 3048 - Auction 160
GROSSE NEAPOLITANISCHE KRIPPE ('PRESEPE NAPOLETANO')

LARGE NEAPOLITAN NATIVITY SCENE ('PRESEPE NAPOLETANO') Likely Naples, 19th/20th century. Wood; figures carved in the round, polychrome-painted, and dressed in hand-sewn textile garments; electrified. H. 94, W. 68, D. 52 cm. An elaborately designed and richly detailed Nativity scene set within a Neapolitan landscape of rocks and ruins ('scoglio'). The Holy Family-Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child-is surrounded by the Three Magi in magnificent Oriental attire, as well as various figures of shepherds and common folk. In the foreground stands a *zampognaro* (bagpiper), a characteristic figure of the Neapolitan Christmas tradition. An angel of the Annunciation hovers above the scene. The Nativity is staged against a backdrop of classical-style ruins featuring columns and a Corinthian capital. Minor knocks and damage; functionality untested.