Young woman
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Polychromed wood and terracotta; various fabrics
Dimensions
Height: 14 in. (35.6 cm)
Classification
Crèche
Culture
Italian, Naples
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Roger and Julie Pisani, in honor of Carmie Pisani, 2004
Accession Number
2004.561.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
This charming 14-inch figure of a *Young Woman*, crafted by an unknown Neapolitan artist in the 18th century, is a delightful example of a *crèche*—a sculptural figure from the elaborate Nativity scenes for which Naples, Italy, was world-famous. These crèches, or *presepii*, brought the Christmas story to life with vivid depictions of shepherds, villagers, and holy figures, blending religious devotion with everyday Neapolitan life. Placed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, this piece was a generous gift from Roger and Julie Pisani in honor of...