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ID #SA1119847
FOR SALE
£2,650
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Pair of Early C18th Neapolitan Creche Figures Sculptures
Martin Murray Antiques
for sale €3,101     $3,366
£2,650
Martin Murray Antiques

Martin Murray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2024
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    Specialist in early furniture and works of art
Id #SA1119847
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Pair of Early C18th Neapolitan Creche Figures Sculptures

18th century
Description

Magnificently carved in lime wood with straw stuffed bodies, the detail is extraordinary, as is the colouring., Mounted on later wooden stands. In excellent condition.

Italy, Early 18th Century

Height 48 cm ( 18”) 53 cm ( 21”)

Physical Dimensions
Height
53cm (20.87")
Declaration

Martin Murray Antiques has dated this Neapolitan Creche Figures Pair to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1119847
Dealers Internal Reference
mm51
Dealers Notes

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Description
Magnificently carved in lime wood with straw stuffed bodies, the detail is extraordinary, as is the colouring., Mounted on later wooden stands. In excellent condition.

Italy, Early 18th Century

Height 48 cm ( 18”) 53 cm ( 21”)

Height
53cm (20.87")
Date of Manufacture

Martin Murray Antiques has dated this Neapolitan Creche Figures Pair to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1119847
Dealers Internal Ref
mm51
Martin Murray Antiques
Martin Murray Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2024

Specialist in early furniture and works of art

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Martin Murray Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases.
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Archive I A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases.

Pair of Early C18th Neapolitan Creche Figures Sculptures

Archive II A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View II
Archive III A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View III
Archive IV A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View IV
Archive V A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View V
Archive VI A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View VI
Archive VII A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Martin Murray Antiques

Martin Murray Antiques
Telephone 07970 625359
Location
Near Eye
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mmant
Verified Since Dec 2024
Items For Sale 57
Items Sold 71
Martin Murray Antiques
Martin Murray Antiques
Verified Since Dec 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: Near Eye, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mmant
Verified
Dec 2024
For Sale
57
Sold
71
A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases.
Pair of early C18th Neapolitan Creche figures sculptures
Ref: SA1119847
A pair of early eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures featuring painted terracotta heads and lower limbs attached to hemp-wrapped wire bodies on circular wood bases.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

Neapolitan creche figures, known in Italy as presepio figures, are detailed sculptural mannequins developed primarily in eighteenth-century Naples for elaborate nativity scenes. Unlike simple nativity sets, these displays included extensive secular scenes featuring merchants, musicians, and villagers alongside biblical figures.

Traditional construction involved an articulated wire armature wrapped in hemp or tow string to create a flexible body. The heads, lower arms, and legs were typically sculpted from terracotta or carved wood, hand-painted, and fitted with glass eyes before being dressed in tailored textiles.

Authentic period pieces exhibit hand-sculpted terracotta or wood components showing fine anatomical details, inset glass eyes, and hand-wrapped hemp armatures beneath clothing layers. Surface paint usually demonstrates natural age-related craquelure, patination, or slight pigment loss consistent with early materials.

Designers frequently place sculptural figures on sideboards, consoles, or within curated bookshelves as standalone artistic focal points. Pairing weathered historical forms with modern minimalist backgrounds highlights their architectural silhouettes and historical texture.

Figures should be kept in climate-controlled environments away from direct sunlight, dampness, and heat sources to prevent cracking of wood, terracotta, or glues. Dusting should be performed gently using a soft, dry artists brush, avoiding chemical cleaners or water on painted surfaces.
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