Crib in oriental style (1992-2009)
The figures made of carved pine are based on a neo-baroque crib. Classified as permanent nativity scenes, these typical church nativity scenes (very impressive by their size) were exhibited throughout the year in sacred places.
Andréas and Béatrice DEMETZ, South Tyrol Background by the members of the Belgian Association of Crib Friends
Churchcrib made of plaster (early 1900's)
The plaster figures painted with oil paint were restored by sculptor Gottfried Anfang from Willwerath/Prüm around 1993. This complete ensemble (with the exception of the Child Jesus) is of the Saint-Sulpicien style, named after a parish in Paris in whose surroundings the merchants with religious articles increasingly settled around 1850. It is a work of French origin with various influences, in particular from Tuscan sculptors who spread their secular, mythological and religious statues all over the world.
At the beginning of the XXth century it was difficult to determine the exact origin of these creations, as there were no legal regulations governing copyright. Moreover, the style of the figures is not fixed, perhaps because one wanted to achieve a universal attitude of the Church? The iconography of Mary and Joseph is inspired by classical art, the garments and plaster of the wise men correspond to the Middle Ages and the shepherds wear sheepskins, antique garments, or the costumes of Italian farmers, depending on the series. Free of any anecdotal attributes and limited to the actors according to the Gospels, this crib is above all an image of adoration.
Atelier DELIN, Paris
Christ King
In 1925, Pope Pius XI introduced the feast of the "Christ King" in order to combat atheism and strengthen Christ's independence from people and institutions. Since the 1930s (the period between the two world wars), there have been many depictions of Christ that point to the royalty of the Prince of Peace.
Sculpture of stained wood, 212 cm. Germany
The Three Biblical Magi (1989)
The costumes are executed by Suz, Liège (B), 2000 and are inspired by a Flemish painting by J. Bosch.
Andreas and Beatrice DEMETZ, South Tyrol
Swiss crib "Birth of Christ" (1999)
The small town of Brienz in the canton of Berne is an important centre for crib production in Switzerland. Around 1915-1920 the sculptor Hans HUGGLER-WYSS (1877-1947), after a solid education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, began to produce crib figures. His very clear and innovative style corresponds to a simplification of religious art, as prescribed by the council of the Vatican II. The cribs of Brienz have a good reputation all over the world.
Figures in natural lime, from the studio of Hans Huggler-Wyss, Brienz (CH)
The background decoration, painted with acrylic colours on canvas, depicts Lake Brienz, Magdalena SCHOOS, Baselt (D) and Dieter PLEINES, Weinsheim(D), 2000
Former crib of the cathedral Sankt Marien, Erfurt (1900)
The figures are made of colored wood and painted, the faces are made of wax. It has often been used by the nuns to make nativity figurines. It has, like burning candles, a sacramental meaning as a sacrificial symbol.
Congrégation des Sœurs du pauvre Enfant Jésus, Aachen.
Regional costumes by Paula MARXEN 1995.
Crib of the Annunciation Chapel, Banneux (1964)
The choice of aesthetics, of vibrant and contrasting colours, the simplification and lengthening of forms, together with the symbolic motifs give this ensemble a modern and innovative expression, in line with the tendency towards simplification advocated by the last council.
Ceramic figures from the Saint Laurent art studios designed by Mrs RONCARATTI, Liège (B)
The background decoration was executed in 1992 in the Ars Krippana Museum.
Former crib of the parish of Saint Peter and Paul, Odendorf (D) (1983)
The limbs of the figurines are made of painted cast resin.
This tradition of dressed statues dates back to the Baroque period. In it, the crib experienced a real boom. It conveys the feeling of taking part in the event. The fact that there are flexible figures clothed in real fabrics helps to increase the authenticity of the scene.
Figures based on models by Gunther PFERDEMENGES, Kevelaer-Winnedonk (D).
The stable was created for the community members of the village Höfen (D), where the museum Ars KRIPPANA used to be located.
Shining Black (1999)
The artist, Jairo MAGALHAES, who is known above all else for his works based on whale beards, provides us with an even more unusual work. The hand of God (in which the baby Jesus rests) is made of dried cow dung and painted on a scaffold of straw and drillich.
The explanatory text in Portuguese, inspired by Genesis, is an integral part of the work. It points to the omnipresent light in the Christmas liturgy and recalls the prologue of the gospel of John: "In the beginning was the word ...".
"In the beginning, when everything was dark,
God was inspired by black to create light.
That is why we are all black
In search of the light."
Jairo MAGALHAES, Brazilian artist residing in France
Old Tuscan crib (end of the XIX century)
13 figures and 10 animals made of plaster, painted according to the original models circulated by the Tuscan figurists. The polychromy was restored in 2004 by Edgar ARENS, Saive (B).
The stable can be completely dismantled.
Toni DANIEL and Michel VINCENT, 2000.
German production
Crib from the Eifel region
Decor by Richard JANSEN, Rocherath (B), about 1995.
17 figures and 24 animals made of carved, painted and gilded wood.
Company LEPI, Ortisei (South Tyrol), present.