Like every year, Michael was looking for a new nativity figure for what he later told us was an extraordinary Christmas nativity scene, which not only artfully combines several types of wood and a variety of characters, but also stylistically several eras.
An ancient temple used as a nativity scene
A few years ago, an artist friend gave Michael an antique-looking pavilion, which now functions as a nativity scene and houses the Holy Family, as well as oxen and donkeys. Step by step, shepherds, animals, a Roman soldier and numerous animals are arranged around the pavilion and form an exciting ensemble that, to a certain extent, combines elements of Greek antiquity or the Renaissance with the traditional tradition of the Christmas story and Val Gardena carving.
“My nativity scene is more like a sacred theater than a classic nativity scene”
Over the years, a variety of different nativity figures made of pine and maple wood had accumulated around the nativity scene, from angels to numerous shepherds and even two camels. Michael said that his nativity scene now resembles a "theatrum sacrum" more like a "holy theater" than a Christmas nativity scene and we are excited to see which characters will play a role there in the next few years.