Mary
Balthazar
Casper (standing in the background)
I recently stumbled across these nativity figurines and acquired them at thrift store prices. (I have a rag-tag collection of nativity sets and figures that I enjoy displaying during the Christmas season.) These four are marked, and further research identified them as retired pieces from the Tom Clark collection of sculptures. They are very detailed - especially their facial features!
I'm wondering if ANYONE has information or can recommend a SOURCE of information about the "MYSTERY MAN" in the middle. He is marked "Joseph", but the style of his clothing is ANYTHING but that of Joseph, the husband of Mary! He looks SO familiar to us, but I can't identify him from his face.
Do YOU have a favorite nativity set? When do you "dig it out" and begin to display it?
I have a collection of nativity sets in my curio cabinet...I'll post a pic on my blog closer to Christmas...but those stay out year-round. My larger one comes out after Thanksgiving to display during the CHRIST-mas season!
ReplyDeleteThis is a far out guess...but I think he looks like Tom Clark!
ReplyDeleteI don't know either, but if I know you right, you got the whole thing for a "song"... :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
Weird, but I kept looking and DID find him - supposedly Mary's Joseph! Who knew? He looks more like a Victorian figure given the style of his "dress"...
ReplyDeleteHe reminded me a bit of Abe Lincoln! But I knew that wasn't right. Glad that you were able to identify him. It is a very interesting set. Very unique!
ReplyDeleteLove Di ♥
THANK YOU, Diana! I had the very same impression - in fact I left him at the thrift store the first time, taking only the 3 nativity pieces. THEN I found out these pieces have a little value - SO I called the shop and asked them to save Abraham Lincoln. Alas, he is identified as Joseph in spite of the fact that he really isn't dressed according to MY expectations :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting, unique nativity pieces! Glad you solved the mystery!
ReplyDeleteI love nativity sets--especially ones that Baby Jesus can be put in and out of the manger. I also really enjoy playing with the grandkids and the nativity sets. Last year, we had whole conversations about Joseph and Mary. Cute things that the kids said, "Bye, Mary, I have to go to work now but I will be back soon." "How was the baby today?"
ReplyDeleteFor a while I thought the "mystery man" might be Melchor, one of the wise men... I agree with you he doesn't look he would be Joseph. Joseph would be dressed more humbly...
ReplyDeleteI loved the figurines, Rebecca. I don't have Christmas figurines, but I think I should be on the lookout for my own Nativity set.
Thank you for this very interesting post, Rebecca.
Love
Lidj
Yes, Rebecca, I too collect Nativities...I have a special one which belonged to my Mother in Law, which she brought back from Israel - it is made of Olive wood from the Mount of Olives. Very simple, but special.
ReplyDeleteI also remember seeing the Living Nativity on the Spanish Steps in Rome over 25 years ago, which was wonderful. I wonder if it is still present nowadays.
p.s. My favourite blessing, from Numbers, above. Had the John Rutter setting of this at my Mother's funeral. So beautiful. Thank you.