Join museum educator Jeff Nigro to explore this elaborate Nativity scene from Naples, which includes not only the Holy Family but angels, the Three Wise Men, shepherds and their flocks, livestock, musicians, dancers, peddlers, and many others. You’ll learn why the crèche is such a spectacular expression of the Baroque period, how it engages with popular piety, and emphasizes expressive emotion, dynamic movement, and exuberant theatricality typical of the time.
Details from the crèche
about the speaker
Jeffrey Nigro has had a professional relationship with the Art Institute of Chicago for over 30 years, and served as director of adult programs in the former department of museum education from 2003 to 2010. Jeff is currently a research associate in the Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium and an adjunct lecturer in Interpretation at the Art Institute. He also teaches adult education seminars at the Newberry Library. Jeff is a frequent speaker for the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA), where he was the former regional coordinator for the Greater Chicago region.
what to expect
The group will meet in Gallery 204 in the Painting and Sculpture of Europe collection and will remain there for the duration of the program. The space is relatively confined and there will be limited seating. Expect a significant crowd.
ASL interpretation and/or assisted listening devices are available upon request at museum_interpretation@artic.edu. Assisted listening devices are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
