French Santons

Provençal crib

The Santon comes from Marseille. Here, the creator of the figures gave the virgin Mary the Arlesian working costume, Joseph got the features of a tambourine batter and the other figures belong to the traditional Marseille repertoire with costumes of the XIX century (with the exception of the woman with the jug, who comes from Avignon and the county of Venaissin).

The Marseille artist Simone JOUGLAS brings the tradition of the dressed Santon to new heights in the 1950s. It became widespread and gradually established itself as a decoration for the home, embellishing its interiors all year round.

Santons in painted terracotta, Jean BOUCHET, Châteaurenard (F).

Stable in wood and background decor, Michel VINCENT, 2005.

Tree stumps executed by the nursery master Heinz HAAS, Prüm (D).

Crib of Séguret (1992-1995)

This series of extraordinarily demanding Santons lives up to its poetic name santon cigale (Cicadas-Santons), because its size really corresponds to that of the name giving insect. Séguret is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. The Holy Family has found refuge under the vault of this village's public laundry. In addition to the bridge and the mill found in most of the Provençal nativity scenes, the artist also depicted the village fountain and his studio.

Philippe and Laurence FOURNIER, Vaucluse