110 - Léon Simon (1845–1916)
See original version (French)

Estimate €800 - €1,200

Description

Léon Simon (1845–1916) Provençal nativity scene Made of polychrome terracotta, wood, metal, straw, fabric, pebbles and various other materials. A diorama set in a stable, with holes in the roof, rickety doors and uneven walls, depicting the Nativity scene, featuring the traditional figures of Mary, Joseph, the Child, the donkey and the ox. It is complemented by numerous Provençal santons, including the drummer, the fruit seller, the hunter, the blind man and his dog, a vegetable seller, a shepherd, a woman with a small barrel, a man leading a mule on which his wife is seated, … The figures are dressed in beautiful Provençal costumes dating from around 1850. A few animals are included in the scene. Various offerings are placed before the Baby Jesus. The entire composition is set on a gilded and blackened wooden plinth. H. 50 cm -W. 53.2 cm Damage, missing parts (including an entire figure, namely the hurdy-gurdy player) and restorations. Fitted with electric lighting (non-functional). Bears an apocryphal signature in red felt-tip pen on the left-hand side of the frame. Comes in a wooden transport crate and a small booklet entitled ‘L’Art de faire la Crèche’, published by the ‘Escolo dei felibre de la mar’, a collective work, Editions Roquebrun, 1942. According to an article published in *Le Petit Marseillais* on 25 December 1911, Léon Simon was described as a ‘talented sculptor’ and introduced new figures to nativity scenes, such as the hunter and the knife-grinder. This nativity scene is reproduced in the book: ‘Les jouets et jeux anciens: illustrated bulletin of the Society of Lovers of Antique Toys and Games’, issue 7, 1906, page 95, with a photograph of the artist on page 94. The expert extends his sincere thanks to Mr Frédéric EYMAR, Vice-President of the Escolo de la Mar, for the valuable information provided regarding this beautiful nativity scene.

See original version (French)

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About the sale FOLK ART, TEXTILES AND TRADITIONS OF PROVENCE

Auction location

Auction time 10/15/2026 at 2:30 PM

Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House

110 - Léon Simon (1845–1916) See original version (French)

110 - Léon Simon (1845–1916)
See original version (French)