Nativity scene (25) - Plaster - Large Lot of 25 Nativity Figurines

Rare and Large Lot of 25 Plaster/Stucco Nativity Figurines - A.P. Rovello Porro Manufacture and Italian Old Masters - From Late 1800s to the 1930s/1940s. Important, rich, and fascinating coeval collection of 25 traditional Italian Nativity figurines, constituting a true historical collection of the era manufacturing of the Lombard school. The lot boasts a prestigious temporal stratification: it includes very rare antique pieces dating from the late nineteenth century (circa 1890) alongside a rich and splendid series of characters ascribable to the renowned and historic A.P. (Artigianato Presepiale) Rovello Porro (Como) manufacture, made in heavy plaster and dating between the 1930s and 1940s. The figures in this set show the excellence and evolution of popular sculpture in artisanal plaster and stucco. The oldest pieces from the late '800 are recognizable by the extraordinary plasticity of the faces and the density of the material, while the subsequent Rovello Porro models present their unmistakable warm, tactile surfaces, strongly expressive features, and the characteristic swollen green bases with smooth edges, designed to harmoniously integrate into the moss. Each character is fully finished and hand-painted with the original polychromy of the period. The set stands out for its extraordinary scenic variety, joining the protagonists of the Nativity with rare glimpses of rural life and ancient crafts. Among the 25 characters, the following are notable for rarity in cataloging and antique value: • The artisan baker/pizzaiolo: Intent on working in front of a splendid and heavy three-dimensional brick structure with a wood-fired oven. • The itinerant whetstone mason: Seen at work with his whetstone and portable tool cart. • The water carrier: With yoke and double dark wooden buckets. • The splendid popular motherhood: Depicting a woman in traditional dress holding a completely swaddled infant. • The Roman soldier / Herod’s guard: In a silver uniform equipped with a spear and a round shield. • Main and supporting figures: The Madonna and St. Joseph kneeling in adoration, the Magi with ermine collar, the amazed shepherd (shepherd of wonder) with arms outstretched, travellers, wood carriers, girl with yellow hat, launderer at the tub, and several flock elements. • Minimum height: about 10 cm (flock elements or kneeling figures) • Maximum height: up to 20 cm (the taller standing shepherds or three-dimensional scenic structures). Lot in good vintage and antique condition. The 25 pieces are structurally intact, with no breaks or obvious restorations. Being authentic late '800 plaster/plaster-based pieces from the 1930s/40s, they show the natural patina of time with small and physiological superficial color detachments and minor chipping on the base edges, elements that certify their absolute authenticity and historical era. Please carefully view the rich photo gallery for details. Careful shipping, trackable throughout Europe. The lot will be shipped with reinforced packaging specifically for ancient plaster, wrapping each piece individually in bubble wrap and cushioning material to guarantee full integrity during transport.

Estimate:$1.12

View all items fromCatawikiorPorcelain & Pottery