Male adult goat

Art Historical Context

This charming male adult goat is a delightful figure from a Neapolitan *crèche* (presepe), a traditional Italian nativity scene popular in 18th-century Naples.ed in the second half of the1700s by an unknown artist, it captures the lively spirit of these elaborate displays, which brought the Christmas story to life with hundreds of realistically detailed figures—humans, angels, and animals alike. Placed among shepherds and the Holy Family in opulent Baroque churches or private homes, such crèches were a hallmark of Neapolitan devotional art, blending piety with theatrical flair. The goat's construction showcases masterful mixed-media techniques typical of the period: a polychromed terracotta body painted in vivid, lifelike colors for fur and features, sturdy wooden legs for stability, and gleaming metal horns for a naturalistic touch. Standing just 6¼ inches tall, its small scale allowed it to integrate seamlessly into vast ensembles, emphasizing humility and the pastoral world of the Nativity. Today, this gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from Loretta Hines Howard in 1964 exemplifies the enduring appeal of Naples' sculptural tradition, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry behind these humble barnyard companions.