The 18th-century presepe (Neapolitan nativity scene) is much more than a depiction of the Nativity: it is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, the result of techniques handed down over centuries and of extraordinary artistic skill.
Behind every shepherd figure lies complex work that combines sculpture, woodworking, tailoring and painting, bringing to life figures that are strikingly realistic and full of expression.
A soul of iron and hemp
Contrary to what you might think, the body of a traditional Neapolitan shepherd figure is not made entirely of terracotta.
The inner structure is a frame of iron wire and hemp that works as the figure's skeleton. This technique lets the artisan shape the character into natural poses, giving it movement and energy.
The head, on the other hand, is modeled by hand in terracotta, while the hands and feet are usually carved in wood by specialized artisans.
This combination of materials makes each figure sturdy, light and easy to position within the presepe.
Glass eyes: the detail that brings a figure to life
One of the most fascinating elements of the Neapolitan presepe is the hand-painted glass eyes.
Since glass cannot be fired together with terracotta, the eyes are set in only after the head has been fired. They are then fixed with stucco, which is also used to shape the eyelids.
It is this very detail that gives the figures the intense, lifelike gaze that makes Neapolitan shepherd figures so expressive and recognizable.
From sculpture to clothing
Once assembled, the figure is ready to be dressed.
In the 18th-century presepe, each character wore different clothes according to their role.
Nobles and the Three Wise Men were adorned with fine fabrics such as silk and batiste, often embroidered with gold thread and decorated with precious stones.
Common folk, instead, wore clothes inspired by the traditional costumes of the Kingdom of Naples, made from simple fabrics but finished down to the smallest detail.
Every fold of fabric was studied to reproduce the natural movement of clothing, adding to the realism of the whole scene.
A tradition still alive today
In San Gregorio Armeno, the street in Naples famous for its nativity workshops, these ancient techniques are still handed down from generation to generation.
Even with new materials and new artistic interpretations, handcraft remains the heart of the Neapolitan presepe.
Every figure tells a story, holds centuries of tradition and represents a cultural heritage unlike any other in the world.
Bottega Capuano's commitment
Since 1840, Bottega Capuano has carried on the tradition of Neapolitan nativity art, creating handcrafted figures and works inspired by methods passed down over the centuries.
Each piece draws on the experience of five generations of artisans who still work today in the heart of San Gregorio Armeno, keeping alive one of the most authentic symbols of Neapolitan culture.
