The Renaissance Nativity is a study in larger scale diorama or Presepe. Created to showcase a collection of more than 75 Nativity figures from the Immanuel Collection of Original Heide, and at almost 7 feet long, this Nativity combines the Judean landscape and the ruins of a crumbling Roman temple. Surrounded by angels and cherubs of the heavenly host and a multitude of earthly animals, the Savior is adored by Shepherds, Villagers and Kings. A Roman Soldier stands guard at the village gate taking role for the first census of Caesar Augustus while another kneels in adoration with his helmet under his arm. The Innkeeper and his daughter gaze to the Christ Child with curiosity while a shepherd sleeps in a cave by his campfire as a sheep looks in, wondering why he is missing the glory happening around him. Even an elephant is guided through a grove of hand-made palm trees to worship the new king. The scene brings together children and elderly and celebrates new life with lambs, kid goats, chicks, a calf nursing and a donkey foal with its mother. The crumbling Roman temple is made entirely of wood, with layers of antiqued stucco and bearing the exposed brick, while the marble columns tower above with majestic strength. Beneath the Christ Child is a 14-pointed silver star that replicates the star in the Grotto of the Nativity in Jerusalem marking the actual birthplace of Jesus Christ. The earth structure is made of intricately layered and carved high-density foam. The entire scene is internally lit to showcase this glorious event. This Nativity was built for a private collection.
To learn more on the creation of this Nativity including the construction of the scene and the progression of the figure collection, see our blog: https://navidadnativities.com/the-renaissance-nativity/
