AMclub | Francesco Londonio and the tradition of paper cribs

In 2023, the Museo Diocesano Carlo Maria Martini is celebrating two important anniversaries: the eighth centenary of the first Nativity scene, which was performed by St. Francis in Greccio in 1223, and the third centenary of the birth of Francesco Londonio (Milan 1723 -1783), the painter who specialised in the production of nativity scenes painted on paper. Londonio himself is the author of the extraordinary 'Gernetto Crib', which is in the permanent collection of the Museum and on display for the first time completely restored.

On the occasion of Holy Christmas, the Diocesan Museum, in collaboration with the Graphic and Artistic Collections of the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, presents a small exhibition that, starting with a focus on Londonio's production dedicated to the pastoral and bucolic world, recounts the successful tradition of paper nativity scenes in Lombardy.

The oldest specimens, etched and coloured by hand, date back to Londonio's time and are linked to the production of various publishers. There are also numerous sheets with the same subject published in Milan during the 19th century by the Vallardi brothers, a tradition that continued until the beginning of the last century with the colour lithographs inspired by theimagerie French Epinal, as well as greeting cards and pop-up cards dedicated to the Nativity.

• Cost: free event with compulsory booking reserved for subscribers. Each Museum Subscription holder may bring along a non-subscriber who will enjoy the guided tour free of charge (the non-subscriber only has to pay for the Museum entrance ticket)
• Reservation: online at User Area