Considering its focus, this exhibit is a novel and unique experience, since it presents the tradition of the nativity scene from multiple perspectives. A scientific approach to this topic is a given, considering the professional reputation of its organizer, Letizia Arbeteta, her team and the methods they employed in preparing the piece. In addition to the most common aspects, totally new perspectives are offered. These include the social history of this tradition, both from the European viewpoint as well as that of the history of religion and Man’s beliefs; Also, the educational perspective, aiming to provide the viewer with a basic and orderly knowledge of the topic. This attempt is both ironic and playful, designed to attract a public of all ages, cultural levels, and interests.
This exhibit is experimental in that it offers a complete overview, necessarily commingling outstanding pieces of Historical Heritage with creations of a lesser category, in order to promote a total understanding of the phenomenon. Here the pieces form a unit-whole, the story beginning with an explanation of its origin, based on the fundamental Christian beliefs about the birth of Jesus, simultaneously both Man and God. This holiday substituted ancient traditions of winter solstice and pagan celebrations related to the struggle of light against darkness. The birth of Jesus, dramatically represented, came to be visualized with figures instead of actors. Here they are mobile figures on a symbolic stage. The meaning of these figures is explained in the exhibit, where the characters are presented in order of appearance and importance (seeming a bit illogical, since the ox and the Virgin Mary’s mule are both said to be first on the scene). The scenic elements are also presented, while not forgetting characters and elements that have disappeared. Altogether, it is a space designed to surprise one, full of curious bits of information, a space in which the visitor can recall his/her own experiences.
The second part presents a great journey through the nativity scenes in Spain, including also those from America and Naples, from the thirteenth century to present day. All the classic examples of nativity scenes are displayed, (the oldest, the key works of Roldana, Salzillo, Ginés, Amadeu, etc.) next to unknown examples, which is essential for an understanding of the phenomenon. Two of the most spectacular nativity scenes in Spain are presented by convents, having been removed to the outside for the first time; There is scenery that is both common and everyday and there is the palatial; There are utterly unique figures; Among the Royal nativity scenes are pieces hardly ever viewed before, from the Prince’s Nativity Scene, or the fantastic nativity scene done in coral and ivory, which is said to have belonged to Bárbara de Braganza;. Also represented are the Catalan and Murcian schools, anecdotal and truly exotic, plus those of sculptors and gold and silversmiths of the twentieth century; The creative process of making the figures and the artist’s workshop are both presented, plus the manipulated light projections that the Association of Nativity Scene Artisans employ. To close the journey there is a very large nativity scene with figures done by Mayo Lebrija, all set on a dazzling magical stage (by Jesús Moreno), right in the heart of Madrid.
Numerous museums (among them figure the most important ones), ecclesiastical institutions, private collections, foundations and associations have contributed to the exhibit. The final product is a rigorous and selective sample that brings together more than two hundred nativity scenes, with a total of more than two thousand figures and elements, some of great material value, being crafted in gold, silver, pearls, ivory, coral and other precious materials. Valuable pieces of Historical Heritage have been restored for the occasion, and eighty percent of the pieces displayed have been transferred from places with difficult or impossible access. Many of these objects have been removed from their original location for the first time. Indeed, it may be said that never before have so many pieces of nativity scenes with such quality been grouped together.
PARALLEL ACTIVITIES
December 12, at 12:00 noon:
a guided tour with Antonio Basanta, general director of the Fundación Germán Sánchez Ruipérez.
December 17, at 11:30 a.m.:
Concert provided by the Camerata Iberia Choral Group, under the direction of Juan Carlos de Mulder.
December 21, at 6:30 p.m.:
Guided tour with the exhibit organizer Letizia Arbeteta Mira.
December 30, at 12:00 noon:
Jose Luis Mayo Lebrija (craftsman), will explain how to make a nativity scene.
January 4, at 12:00 noon:
restoration specialists Ana Carrassín and Oscar Castañón will explain the techniques used in restoring certain pieces.
