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CURRENT EXHIBITION
Santon Figures from Brittany
On view: Dec. 16 - Jan. 16, 2005
Since the 18th century, the Santon, the little figurine in terra cotta, has been a tradition of the Provence region of France.
For certain people the santons are a testament of Christian faith and for others they serve the memory of the art and culture of Provence.
Originally, the santons represented the Holy Family. Over time, however, the richly decorated crèches included santons of an entire enlivened village
from peasant to craftsman. Each figurine is dressed in a colorful costume with unique faces and expressions formed under the hands of talented sculptors
who have exquisitely depicted emotion, age, and beauty.
The santon capital of the world is Marseille, home to an excellent resource for the collector and connoisseur of the figurines, The Musee Du Santons,
located at 49 Rue Neuve Sainte Catherine, 13007 Marseille.
If France is too far this season, take a trip uptown to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where, inside the main entrance, splendid santons
surround a giant Christmas tree.
In our gallery, we have selected a pleasant variety of santons of every occupation, expression, age and dress. We invite you to carry on the santon tradition of Provence in your home as well.
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