Christmas and Cribs
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Brienz in the canton of Bern has been a centre of wood sculpture and carving since the 19th century. Hans Huggler-Wyss created expressive crib figures at the beginning of the 20th century, featuring characters from the populace and many animals. This example, designed by Huggler-Wyss in around 1915, is the first hand-carved nativity scene in Switzerland.
Around 1960, wood, carved and painted. Huggler Holzbildhauerei AG. Christmas Eve model. Private collection, Zürich.
© Swiss National Museum
Neapolitan Nativity scene. The scene shows a tavern in which residents and guests are sitting and being served at a laid table. They represent the worldly life and also an ideal: nothing should be omitted from the Nativity scene.
2018, clay, wire and other materials. Antonio De Paola, Avellino. On loan from Paola de Paola-Blattmann.
© Swiss National Museum
There was an old custom in the Czech lands of setting up crib figures painted on cardboard during family Christmas celebrations. From the 17th century onwards, they provided a cheap alternative to three-dimensional wooden figures. A typical feature of Czech paper nativity scenes is the dense layering of dozens of figures.
Around 1910/1920, paper, painted, Karel Jankele senior (1838-1919) and Karel Jankele junior (1872-1919) from Ceska Trebova. On loan from Iwanka Marti, the artists’ granddaughter and great granddaughter.
© Swiss National Museum
The small Christmas trees are decorated with magnificent glass ornaments. The trees’ branches are made out of green- or silver-coloured split goose feathers.
20th century. Wood, glass and goose feathers. loan from D. Albrecht-Mäder.
© Swiss National Museum
Glass nativity scene. The crib includes the Holy Family, the Three Kings and a shepherd with his sheep. Completing the scene are stars and the stable.
2018, glass, manufactured in Hergiswil, Swiss National Museum.
© Swiss National Museum
View of the exhibition: magical winter landscape in the National Museum in Zurich.
© Swiss National Museum
View of the exhibition: magical winter landscape in the National Museum in Zurich.
© Swiss National Museum