The Nativity Figures In Provence

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In the Christian tradition, a nativity scene, also known as a manger scene, crib or crèche ( or , from French; in Italian presepio or presepe; in some other languages also called a "Bethlehem") is the special exhibition, particularly during Christmastide, of art objects representing the birth of Jesus Christ. While the term nativity scene may be used of any representation of the very common subject of the Nativity of Jesus in art, it has a more specialized sense referring to seasonal displays, in particular sets of individual sculptural figures and props that are arranged for display. Other characters from the nativity story, such as shepherds, sheep, and angels may be displayed near the manger in a barn (or a cave) intended to accommodate farm animals, as described in the Gospel of Luke. A donkey and an ox are typically depicted in the scene, and the Magi and their camels, described in the Gospel of Matthew, are also included. Many also include a representation of the Star of Bethlehem. Several cultures add other characters and objects that may or may not be biblical. The first nativity scene featuring live actors was organized by Francis of Assisi in 1223 in the Italian town of Greccio. Francis had been inspired by his visit to the Holy Land, where he had been shown the Grotto of the Nativity. Distinctive nativity scenes and traditions have been created around the world, and are displayed during the Christmas season in churches, homes, shopping malls and other venues, and occasionally on public lands and in public buildings. Nativity scenes have not escaped controversy, and in some countries their inclusion on public lands or in public buildings has provoked court challenges.

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Article title : Nativity scene
"displays, in particular sets of individual sculptural figures and props that are arranged for display. Other characters from the nativity story, such..."
Article title : Santon (figurine)
"figurine cast in terracotta or a similar material that is used for building nativity scenes. Santons are a traditional product of the Provence region of southeastern..."
Article title : The Mystical Nativity
"The Mystical Nativity is a modern name given to an oil painting on canvas executed c. 1500–1501 by the Italian Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli that..."
Article title : Aleksa Ivanc Olivieri
"the newspaper Oznanilo, she painted a second set, now in the Nativity Museum in Brezje. On eighteen sheets (48 × 33 cm) she depicted all the figures in..."
Article title : Milan Cathedral
"Dedicated to the Nativity of St. Mary (Santa Maria Nascente), it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Archbishop Mario Delpini. The cathedral..."
Article title : Church of St. Trophime, Arles
"galleries, the city began to decline. The Counts of Provence moved from Arles to Aix, the center of church authority moved to the papal palace in Avignon..."
Article title : Black Madonna
" where both figures are depicted with dark skin. Examples of the Black Madonna can be found both in Catholic and Orthodox countries. The paintings are..."
Article title : Marian art in the Catholic Church
"radiant image at the Transfiguration. The emphasis on the humility of Jesus and the poverty of his birth depicted in Nativity art reinforced the image of God..."
Article title : Castelseprio (archaeological park)
"are: The inscriptions naming various figures are in Latin, and in Roman script, but the midwife at the Nativity is named as "EMEA", the "E" ("H" in the Greek..."
Article title : Las Meninas
"moment as if in a snapshot. Some of the figures look out of the canvas towards the viewer, while others interact among themselves. The five-year-old..."

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