Old king

Unknown

18th century · Polychromed wooden body dressed in silk, satin and velvet garments; glass eyes · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Genoese crèche figures are rarely found at all, let alone with entirely original garments. The figures were designed to be redressed several times in the course of the Christmas season so as to represent different characters in the stages of the spectacle (Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, and the Presentation in the Temple). These constant costume changes led to wear and tear on the fragile clothing. What does remain in the case of this figure is exceptionally fine.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Polychromed wooden body dressed in silk, satin and velvet garments; glass eyes

Culture

probably Italian, Genoa

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Christopher T. Bever, in memory of Professor Rudolf Berliner, 1993