Spanish Nativity artists focus on the Nativity, naturally, but many of them also turn their attention to other aspects of the life of Christ. Some of these are what scholars refer to as the “hidden life,” that is, things of which we have no account in the Gospels but can only imagine, while others are accounts of miracles or deeds that are found in the Gospels.
A poster on the wonderful Foro de Belenismo was working on a project creating dioramas on the life of Jesus after the Infancy – in other words, as an adult. The poster asked for help, and a belenista from Zaragoza, a woman whose screen name is Suny, posted some wonderful photos she had taken of dioramas by an artist named Antoni Sans in Tarragona. Then, to top it off, she posted another set of photos she had taken of the permanent exhibit of dioramas at the Monastery of Pedralbes in Barcelona. I have seen these and they are great. Thanks to Suny for her great photos!
In this photo, we see Antoni Sans’ version of the Wedding at Cana, with the wine jugs set out awaiting the miracle.
In the next photo, we see Mary and the Disciples in the Upper Room, with the dove descending, from the diorama at Pedralbes.
Bear in mind that these figures are quite tiny, usually no more than 12 cm and often less. Look at the detail and artistic composition of these scenes. Perhaps some of our belenistas on the American continent will think about creating something like this. I’m including a few more of Suny’s photos in the album below.
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