|
 |
In Sicily
In Sicily, as elsewhere, the Presepio developed with the Jesuits
under the direct influence of the Neapolitan model from which it
differs in that it is more sober and essential, with a pronounced
religious character, at times pervaded with intense drama thanks
to the presence of original elements obviously derived from puppet
theatre. The oldest and most famous Presepio is found in the Church
of St Bartholomew at Scicli near Ragusa with painted wooden statues
about 50 cm in height. In Sicily too, the Presepio became a feature
of sumptuous interior decoration and a work of art. Every noble
family had its Presepio with wax figures dressed in elegant clothes
exposed in a sort of glass showcase during the Christmas season.
Besides wax, a number of materials were used to fashion the personages:
coral, copper, cork, ivory, mother of pearl, alabaster, sea shells,
lava stone. Typical and exclusive, decorations with branches of
orange and mandarin trees, grapes and Indian figs. Trapani was one
of the towns where the production of Presepio flourished most in
the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to Giovanni Antonio mater, whose
beautiful figures carved in wood, copied by many an artist, can
still be seen today at Museums in Trapani, Palermo and also in Munich,
in Germany.
|
Fides News
Fides
News 2004
Alto
Adige