DepartmentHispano

Nicho with Nativity Group

NameSculpture

Artist Artist Not Recorded

DateLate 18th century

Place madeNew Mexico (New Spain), United States, North America

MediumWood, paint, gesso

DimensionsOverall: 22 13/16 x 27 3/16 x 7 1/16 in. (58 x 69 x 18 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of the Historical Society of New Mexico, A5.1959.3

Object numberA5.1959.3

DescriptionMade to hang on wall. Solid wooden back, floor and roof, pillars at sides, painted and gessoed, a cherub head at back center in gesso relief. Figures of Mary, Joseph and Nino are miniature bultos. Mary and Joseph kneeling, original pegged to floor; Nino nude, blonde, in painted wood cradle with fancy shell-form headboard. These are of a late 18th century style in construction and detail. This is a rather unusual piece in its relative completeness for santero New Mexico where the Christmas scene was often limited to the Holy Child in its manger.