#26 • Fontanini 27" Scale Villager Gabriel - Rare Italian Nativity Figure

Part of Step back in time: Vintage holiday decor, clothing, art glass, and more! (timed auction by Lux Auctions)

High bid $300.00

Status: Sold

Category: Holiday, Seasonal

This hand-painted shepherd Gabriel figure by is part of a rare retired Nativity series by Fontanini and represents a nearby villager. A back portion of the base shows a previous repair, and he is otherwise undamaged. Youthful and in motion, he wears a leather satchel, wool vest, red striped scarf, green shirt, leather shorts and boots. A ewe at his feet looks up to her lamb, slung across his shoulders. The base is marked with the Fontanini logo and "Made in Italy," copyright of 1989, as well as an artist signature. The figure measures 27" tall x 14" wide x 11" deep. There are 9 other lots in the auction that have more pieces to this set. This spectacular 27" scale Nativity series was made by the House of Fontanini, Italy, a Tuscan family business since 1908. All figures in these lots were treated with a brown wash and are matte rather than glossy. Skillfully hand painted in wonderful detail, figures are made of a marble-based resin, the larger figures having a hollow plaster-type feel and the smaller having a more resilient plastic touch. In this series each figure has a prominent Fontanini logo, copyright date, and often an artist name, and larger figures stand on sturdy 1.25" tall bases. *Please note- shipping is available, however these are large pieces.