Vatican
City, 4 December 2013 (VIS) – A Neapolitan nativity scene, produced
in the workshop of “Cantone & Costabile”, heirs and
perpetuators of a tradition of nativity scenes that became famous
throughout Europe from the eighteenth century, will decorate St.
Peter's Square this year.
The
workshop has donated its artistic and architectural work entitled
“Francis 1223 – Francis 2013” to Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe,
archbishop of Naples, who in turn has offered it in homage to Pope
Francis. The backdrop will depict a landscape typical of Campania,
the region where the city of Naples is located, and the scene will
include sixteen figures dressed according to eighteenth century
Neapolitan style.
The
masters Cantone and Costabile have maintained the expressiveness of
the faces of the figures, while raising them from a height of thirty
centimetres to two metres. While representing all the various
social classes, the figures also reflect all the different stages of
life, from infancy to old age. Indeed, alongside a young nobleman
there is a gypsy woman dressed in rags, an elderly woman accompanied
by two children and the Three Kings who walk alongside peasants.
Their heads, hands and feet are made of multicoloured terracotta and
their eyes are created using crystal glass. The nativity has been
produced with the generous assistance of several benefactors, to
limit as far as possible the cost to the Governorate of Vatican City
State.
On
6 December, the large Christmas tree will arrive in the Square, this
year originating from Bavaria, Germany. A gift from the community of
Waldmunchen, the tree is 25 metres tall, with a diameter of 98
centimetres. As in previous years, the installation, decoration and
lighting of the tree is entrusted to the Technical Services of the
Governorate of Vatican City State. Following the holiday period, the
wood of the trunk will be used to produce toys and small objects for
everyday use.
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