Tag Archives: painted

Europe, Poland

Polish Holy Family

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This beautiful nativity was created by Jerzy Chodorowski.

Mr. Chodorowski is a Polish sculptor who had been active in Krakow since 1975. His style is very much influenced by the work of Southern polish sculptors, especially from the Podhale region. He mostly sculpts religious figures. His work is in private collections all over the world. (http://www.rzezba-w-drewnie-chodorowski.pl/gb/index.htm)

Set in a simple stable, a stout mother Mary is holding a pious baby Jesus. Joseph stand protectively behind them. His facial expression seems to hint at the fact that he does not know what to think. The star rests on top of the stable. The tree of life or the Jesse tree grows right outside. The donkey is the only animal in the stable.

In addition there are two music making angels. One is playing an accordion, the other a violin. The three Magi devoutly approach the Holy Family and offer their gifts. A shepherd and his sheep answer the call of the angels and arrive to worship the baby Jesus.

 

Guatemala, South America

Holy Family Resting on their Way to Egypt

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Following the advise of an angel and fearing King Herod would kill Jesus, Joseph took his family to safety in Egypt.  This version of the flight shows the Holy Family as they pause for a moment. Joseph is wearily leaning on his staff. Mary holds the baby Jesus on her lap. Jesus is depicted holding his hands un prayer.  Jose Canil Ramos honors the Holy Family with these two pinewood sculptures, carved and painted by hand.

Nativities, Peru, South America

Born in a Canoe

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This nativity depicts the Holy Family in a traditional reed canoe, known as a caballito de totora. The sacks in the canoe are intended as offerings to the land. The figures are hand-molded in clay, painted and fired.

This Holy Family was created by Alberto Aparicio Canchari. Alberto was born in Ayacucho in 1965. He is a dedicated ceramist, inspired by the customs and beliefs of Andean villages. 


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Mexico, Nativities, North America

Colorful Clay Nativity

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This colorful, vibrant nativity though from Mexico has a Southwestern flair. The vibrant, hand-painted hues on the clay figures and the wide eyed expressions on the faces create a very joyful scene.

Haiti, North America

Painted Steel Drum Nativity

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This nativity is created using metal from recycled steal oil drums. After visualizing a design, the artist chalks his design onto the flattened metal and then, using only a hammer and chisel, gives it form and dimension. Then the nativity is painted and given an enamel coating.

This nativity depicts the moment the magi present their gifts to the Christ Child. Mary is kneeling down in adoration. Joseph stands behind Mary flanked by the ox and donkey.

Painted Steel Drum Nativity
Painted Steel Drum Nativity

Jalisco, Mexico, North America

Nativity in Coche

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The Holy Family is often depicted on a journey. Sometimes they are shown walking.Often Mary is seated on a donkey and sometimes on a camel. There are depictions of the Holy Family in a boat. This version puts the Holy Family and the three Magi in a vintage car. They all seem to be having a fantastic time as they appear to be on a true joy ride.