The Art of Italian Nativity Scenes: Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Culture
In the quiet workshops of Naples’ San Gregorio Armeno street, artisans hunch over workbenches, their skilled hands continuing a tradition that has defined Italian Christmas celebrations for centuries. The creation of presepi—elaborate nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus—represents not just religious devotion but a living artistic tradition that evolves with each passing year. While Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child remain the central figures, these intricate displays have long incorporated contemporary elements, including figures of politicians, celebrities, and cultural icons. This year, amid the traditional shepherds and angels, a new figure has emerged from the artisans’ tools: President Donald Trump.
The inclusion of Trump in these sacred scenes reflects a fascinating aspect of Italian nativity craftsmanship—its ability to seamlessly blend religious tradition with contemporary culture. “Our art has always been a mirror of society,” explains Gennaro Esposito, a third-generation figurine maker whose family workshop dates back to 1924. “The presepio is not frozen in time—it breathes with our world.” This tradition of incorporating modern figures into nativity scenes dates back centuries, with artisans adding characters representing current events and personalities to connect biblical history with present-day reality. Walking through the narrow streets of Naples’ presepe district today, visitors encounter miniature versions of Pope Francis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, soccer star Lionel Messi, and now, the 45th American president, each crafted with remarkable attention to detail.
The Historical Evolution of Italian Nativity Craftsmanship
The Italian presepio tradition traces its roots to the 13th century, when St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first living nativity scene in 1223 in the village of Greccio. What began as a simple representation of the holy family gradually evolved into increasingly elaborate displays. By the 18th century, Naples had become the epicenter of nativity craftsmanship, with entire streets dedicated to workshops producing handcrafted figurines. These weren’t merely religious objects but detailed artistic creations capturing everyday Neapolitan life—fishmongers, bakers, farmers, and local characters populated scenes that blended the divine with the mundane.
“The Neapolitan presepio has always been distinctive because it places the sacred within the context of ordinary life,” notes Dr. Isabella Montanari, art historian at the University of Naples Federico II. “By including contemporary figures alongside biblical ones, artisans create a theological statement about the continuing relevance of Christ’s birth in today’s world.” This distinctive approach to nativity scenes spread throughout Italy, with regional variations emerging in Sicily, Puglia, and elsewhere. Each region developed its own style, materials, and characters, but the Neapolitan tradition—with its inclusion of contemporary figures—remained particularly influential. By the 19th century, the practice of adding recognizable public figures had become firmly established, with nativity scenes featuring politicians, royalty, and other notable personalities of the day.
Contemporary Figures in Sacred Spaces: The Trump Phenomenon
The appearance of President Trump among this year’s nativity offerings represents the continuation of this long tradition rather than a departure from it. Artisan Paolo Lombardi, whose workshop has operated in Naples since 1892, displays a collection of Trump figurines in various poses—some depicting him with his signature thumbs-up gesture, others showing him alongside world leaders or holding miniature American flags. “We create what people want to see in their presepi,” Lombardi explains, carefully applying paint to a tiny Trump face. “Some buy these figures because they admire him, others because they want to make a political statement. For us, it’s about capturing the personalities that define our time.”
The craftsmanship involved is extraordinary—each figure begins as a wire armature covered with clay or terracotta, which is then meticulously sculpted, fired, painted, and dressed in handmade clothing. The most detailed pieces can take weeks to complete, with artisans studying photographs to capture distinctive expressions, postures, and clothing styles. The Trump figurines feature his characteristic hairstyle, business suits, and facial expressions, rendered with remarkable accuracy despite their small size, typically between 10 and 35 centimeters tall. “Getting the likeness right is crucial,” says Maria Castellano, whose family has created nativity figures for five generations. “People want to recognize these figures instantly, whether they’re shepherds from Bethlehem or presidents from America.”
Cultural Significance and Commercial Impact
The inclusion of contemporary figures in nativity scenes serves multiple purposes beyond mere novelty. For Italian families, these modern additions become conversation pieces during holiday gatherings, prompting discussions about current events and allowing different generations to connect over shared cultural references. For international tourists, these figurines represent unique souvenirs that combine religious tradition with contemporary humor. And for the artisans themselves, these topical creations generate media attention and attract customers to their workshops, where they also sell more traditional religious figures.
The economic impact is significant in a craft industry that has faced challenges from mass-produced imports and changing holiday traditions. “December accounts for nearly seventy percent of our annual sales,” reveals Antonio Buonfiglio, president of the Naples Artisans Association. “The interest in contemporary figures brings people to our workshops who might not otherwise seek out traditional nativity scenes.” This commercial aspect has historic precedent as well—even in the 18th century, nativity artisans created figures of contemporary celebrities to attract wealthy patrons. Today’s workshops continue this pragmatic approach, balancing artistic tradition with commercial viability. The price range for these specialty figures reflects their craftsmanship, with basic Trump figurines starting around €30 ($35) while more elaborate, detailed versions can command prices up to €300 ($350) or more for collector’s pieces.
Controversy and Conversation: The Politics of Presepi
Not everyone appreciates the inclusion of political figures in religious displays. Some traditionalists argue that contemporary celebrities—particularly controversial ones like Trump—detract from the sacred meaning of the nativity. “The presepio should focus on Christ’s birth, not on political statements,” argues Father Lorenzo Bianchini of Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, which hosts one of Italy’s most visited traditional nativity scenes. “When we place too much emphasis on contemporary figures, we risk losing sight of the spiritual message.” Others counter that this critique misunderstands the historical essence of the Neapolitan presepio tradition, which has always incorporated everyday life and current events.
The debate itself reflects broader tensions in Italian society about the relationship between religious traditions and contemporary culture. For many families, the decision about which figures to include in their home nativity scenes becomes a personal statement about values and worldview. Some deliberately seek out figurines of politicians they support, while others include those they oppose—sometimes placing them farther from the manger or in less flattering poses. “The presepio becomes a small stage where families can express their view of the world,” observes sociologist Francesca Romano, who studies Italian Christmas traditions. “By choosing which contemporary figures to include or exclude, they make statements about what they believe belongs in the story of Christ’s birth.” The Trump figurines exemplify this phenomenon—depending on their placement and context, they can represent either reverence or critique.
Preserving Tradition While Embracing Change
As the holiday season approaches, the workshops of Naples and other Italian cities continue this delicate balance between preservation and innovation. Young apprentices learn centuries-old techniques while bringing contemporary perspectives to the craft. Master artisans experiment with new materials and subjects while maintaining connection to traditional forms. The resulting nativity scenes represent a living tradition that refuses to be fossilized in the past or completely transformed by modernity.
“What makes our craft endure is its ability to change while remaining true to its essence,” reflects veteran artisan Giuseppe Ferrigno, whose family has created nativity figures since the 1830s. He gently places a tiny Trump figure next to a traditional shepherd in his workshop display. “These figures tell the story of Christ entering our world—not just the ancient world, but our world today with all its complexity.” As Italian families unpack their nativity scenes this December, many will find space among the shepherds and wise men for figures that reflect our contemporary moment—including, for some, the distinctive figure of President Trump. In this seemingly incongruous juxtaposition lies the enduring power of Italy’s presepio tradition: the ability to make an ancient story feel perpetually present, connecting the eternal with the ephemeral in a uniquely Italian artistic expression that continues to evolve with each Christmas season.
