Exhibition in the window of the Patio of a nativity scene recently incorporated into the Museum's collection.

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Adoration of the shepherds

Mid 19th century

Polychrome carving

MFM 5973

Donation of Asun by Anzizu Forest (2015)

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The tradition of the nativity scene became popular in Spain from the s. XVIII thanks to King Charles III's (1716-1788) fondness for Neapolitan nativity scenes. Aristocrats and members of the wealthy classes adopted this tradition, which became another sign of their economic power. Many of them commissioned their figures from renowned sculptors and craftsmen. In Spain, Francisco Salzillo and his school in the Murcia region excelled in this sculptural typology, and Ramon Amadeu and Domènec Talarn did so in Catalonia.

This sculptural group of the Adoration of the Shepherds is an example of great beauty of this tradition, made by a sculptor with great artistic knowledge and technical mastery. Its composition seems inspired by a pictorial work. The Hebraic typology of shepherds of romantic origin stands out, which would place the completion of the ensemble from the middle of the 19th century. The Italian bagpipe,  zampogna , of one of the figures refers us to iconographic models of Neapolitan nativity scenes.

Dates : Sunday, December 13, 2015 - Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Place : Courtyard of the Frederic Marès Museum

Schedule : From Tuesday to Saturday: from 10.00 a. m. To 7.00 p. m. Sundays and public holidays: from 11.00 a. m. To 8.00 p. m. Monday: closed, except holidays

Organize : Frederic Marès Museum