The artistic crib shepherds of Lilia Bryl' are made according to the ancient tradition of the Neapolitan crib art and

they are characterized by a great attention for details. Each production phase is handmade and done by the artist herself, starting from the modelling of the parts in clay and the modelling of the little body in tow, up to the later phases, such as decorating and dressing. All Christmas crib figures are unique, realized without the use of moulds, that allows the artist to give to each figure its own character, its own soul,

turning it into an unique piece of art.

You are welcome! This is a website of the neapolitan artist Lilia Bryl'. She makes figures for typical Neapolitan creche (also called crib).  

The Nativity scene, they call it Presepio, is a sculptural representation of Jesus' birth. But the Neapolitan crib is completely different from the historical representation of this event.  As we know, Jesus Christ was born 2000 years ago in Palestine, but if  you look Neapolitan crib, you’ll find the holy family placed into the city of Naples of 18^th century. Why that?

A little bit of history

The crib has its roots in the 13^th century, The first crib was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus, it was a living one. Then, in the 15^th century, the churches and monasteries started to create static scenes with figures on a human scale. During the centuries the figures became smaller and smaller, until its became nearly 40 centimeter (15 inches).

The Neapolitan Crib reached its golden age with Carlo III, when he became the king of Naples in 1734. During his reign Pompeii and Herculaneum were  also discovered. So, the ruins of temple represents non only the victory of Christian faith on paganism, but it is also a memento of the discovery of cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, that were discovered when Charles was the king of Naples.

In the 18^th century the crude wooden statuettes were replaced by more sophisticated "pastori mobili", "mobile shep-herds."

How they do it?

Their bodies are made of tow and wire, their arms and legs are finely carved of wood, and their hands and shoulders are molded of terracotta and accurately finished.

Averaging between twelve and fifteen inches in height, according to the position they were to take in perspective in the stage set, the figurines are pliable and can be given poses at will. according to their facial expressions. 

Who is Lilia Bryl'?

Lilia Bryl' is a neapolitan artist. She works according to tradicional techniques of neapolitan creche. All the steps of production are made entirely by Lilia Bryl'. All the figures are handmade and unique. You'll never find the same face!

Lilia Bryl's works were exhibited at Palazzo Madama, in Rome,  the home of the Senate of the Italian Republic. 

Her figures are a part of Andrei Konchalovsky's collection. He is a russian theatre and film director and screenwriter who made some English language films, like Tango & Cash, The Lion in Winter, The Nutcracker.

Now Lilia Bryl' is a member of the board of examiners of the Association "Amici del Presepio" - "Friends of neapolitan creche".

How may I contact Lilia Bryl'?

Ask more information here!

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