Presepe monumentale, a photo from Perugia, Umbria

Photographer's Note

Monumental nativity scene

Today and tomorrow I propose two more details of this unique work of art, providing some more information on the work and the author of the largest life-size monumental nativity scene in Europe. The work made in terracotta, wood and papier-mâché by the master of crib art Mario Agrestini will be open to the public at the Auditorium della Stella in Spoleto until January 14, 2022.
The nativity scene, the result of over 40 years of work, reconstructs the ancient peasant world, interacts between painting and sculpture and is unique in its construction and size.
The clothing of the characters is partly hand-woven and partly originally from Jordan, as well as all the accessories of both the characters and the animals present.
Mario Agrestini, born in Monterosi in the province of Viterno in 1943, is a retired former Rai production manager. He began his artistic career at a very young age, proposing a simple and archaic painting in his forms. "I have always loved crib art, instilled in my family since I was a child. My passion was born as a child, having always built cribs in the parish. One day, out of devotion, I visited the Church of the Madonna della Quercia in Viterbo, where an old life-size Renaissance nativity scene remained in a small chapel. From there was born the desire to abandon the small cribs to build one of human size ".

pierrefonds, jhm, holmertz, Fis2, ChrisJ, PaulVDV, mcmtanyel, COSTANTINO, ikeharel, jean113 heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

pierrefonds (114422) 2021-12-27 4:43

Hi Silvio,

La scène est impressionnante. La prise de vue permet de voir les détails du personnage qui fait partie de la scène de la Nativité. La lumière rehausse les couleurs de l'image. Bonne journée.

Pierre

jhm (211736) 2021-12-27 5:07

Ciao Silvio,

This is indeed an unique art part
Never seen, must are very nice, to bring a visit to this artwork.
But your picture are perfect for I to bring a visit, free in my seat.
Perfect sharp and clear nice to look at.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John

Tue (92328) 2021-12-27 6:37

Hello Silvio,
An excellent photo of the artwork here. The sharpness shows the details and appealing colours very well. The sculptures stand out really well from the white walls, too.
Lars

holmertz (102672) 2021-12-27 6:45

Hello Silvio,
Another set of magnificent figures from this nativity scene. They are excellent works in every detail and the photo gives full justice to the artist's efforts.
Best regards,
Gert

Fis2 (170717) 2021-12-27 6:51

Witaj Silvio!
Interesting fragment of nativity scene!
The figures are impressive.
Good framing, colors and sharpness.
Well done.
Good evening.
Krzysztof

lousat (139236) 2021-12-27 12:47

Ciao Silvio,altra perla di questo fantastico presepe e qualita' perfetta, oltretutto le pareti bianche della chiesa non distraggono dalla festa di colori,bellissima!! Buona serata,Luciano

ChrisJ (171822) 2021-12-27 13:58

Hi Silvio,

Unusual to see the Madonna and child depicted as African in origin. Even the statues are wearing leopard skin. The colourful fg contrasts well with the stark white marble bg. Tfs!

PaulVDV (62886) 2021-12-27 14:44

Hello Silvio,
Here you show us some of the statues from closer so we can admire the details better.
This seems to be the artist's life's work.
Not only the statues are special, but also a lot of beautiful and colourful robes were used.
Best regards, Paul

mcmtanyel (68479) 2021-12-27 20:44

Hello Silvio,
Oh, look at the royal colors on the camel! A fine scene appropriate for the season.
Regards,
MT

COSTANTINO (116452) 2021-12-27 22:15

Hello dear friend
wow!!!I agree with you about the
largest monumental nativity
scene in Europe
great work here with the best result...
...the result of over 40 years of work.....
regards
Costantino

emka (158128) 2021-12-28 0:19

Ciao caro Silvio,
Amazing monumental Nativity scene. Here it is rather the escape to Egypt. Strange that Maria and the baby are black. A very interesting piece of art combining real items with sculptures.
Best regards MAlgo

ifege (48055) 2021-12-28 19:47

Hi Silvio
A good photo of this unusual display although I would describe it as interesting rather than beautiful.
cheers
Ian

jmdias (115128) 2021-12-31 9:43

silvio

another surprising view, the african aspect of the personages are impressive.

take care and happy 2022

jorge

mkamionka (74375) 2022-01-13 2:05

Ciao Silvio,
I go back to your nativity reportage.
This is quite an extraordinary part of the scene. The animal is hard to identify, whether it is horse or camel or maybe ox?
The nativity was clearly very politically correct at that time with the figures having darker skin tones.
Great presentation of this unique work of art,
M