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Lot 816
A RARE FRENCH CHRECHE IN A CARVED WOOD DISPLAY CASE - so-called "Crèche en Cire Habillée".
Estimated Value:
10.000 € - 15.000 €
Schätzpreis:
16.000 €
Description:
Nancy, 18th century54 x 66 x 25 cm
In a rectangular wooden display case, the frame on the front finely carved and gilt. Multi-figured scene of the Nativity behind glass. Under a central canopy with angels' gloriole, representing the stable, Mary and Joseph standing next to the infant Jesus. On the left the Magi, on the right various shepherds and farmers. In the background shepherd with his flock of sheep, farmhouses and landscape. The figures are made of wax and dressed in fine fabric (Cire habillees). Further materials are papier-mâché, wood, straw, glass beads, paper and foil. Overall in a good state of preservation with signs of age.
Important Bavarian private Collection, assembled between the 1950ies and the 1980ies.
Nancy was famous in the 18th century for its "Cires habillées" (translated as "dressed wax figures"). The devotional images made of wax and cloth were very popular. Wax figures are staged in lined cardboard boxes or wooden cases decorated with shells, beads, glassware and various materials. The religious but also secular figures are treated either as reliefs or as round sculptures. The works were initially small and intended for transport, but became increasingly larger and more multi-figured. The atelier of the Frères Guillot (Nicolas and Francois) was the best known among the wax artists, before that these religious wax figures were made in convents by nuns.
