This year, as every year, the museum (a secret church in an attic) is geared up for Christmas. From basement to attic: the museum is full of Christmas decorations, Nativity scenes and a festive table. A special feature is the display of Santons, Nativity scenes from Provence in southern France. Traditional arrangements generally depict a handful of figures in a stable; Santons show far more, not just the birth of Christ. The central figures are accompanied by typical characters from everyday life in Provence. The whole village turns out to witness the scene.

History

During the French Revolution, Santons became a symbol of popular resistance. Nativity scenes moved from the church into the home. In Provence the figures were traditionally made of clay. They were modelled on fellow villagers and displayed in familiar settings. These colourful Nativity scenes became popular far beyond France. Today, santonniers continue to make coloured clay figures. These Santons Habillées clothed in characteristic Provençal costumes are works of art, displayed on a miniature theatrical stage.

Other Nativity Scenes

In addition to the Santons, the collector’s Nativity scenes include models made by the Benedictine sisters at the abbey of Notre Dame de Jouarre. The form and colour of the arrangements reveal a strong Peruvian influence, inspired by several of the sisters who worked in Peru. Twenty original Peruvian models are also displayed. To complete the presentation, various Nativity scenes are shown from the collection of the artist and collector Clemens Merkelbach of Enkhuizen.