SInce 1964, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has displayed its Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche. From the collection of Loretta Hines Howard (d. 1982), the tree is an annual favorite for museum visitors. With over two-hundred figures, the crèche is still installed with the help of Howard’s daughter and grand-daughter, continuing her passion for Neapolitan presepi (nativity scenes) that began with her first acquisitions in 1925. The tree will be on view through 8 January.
Figures attributed to Salvatore di Franco, 18th century, Naples. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Loretta Hines Howard, 1964.