Francesco Londonio and the tradition of Paper Nativity Scenes

In 2023, the Diocesan Museum Carlo Maria Martini celebrates two significant anniversaries: theeighth centenary of the first performance of Nativity crib by St Francis at Greccio in 1223, and the third centenary since the birth of Francesco Londonio (Milan 1723-1783), the Milanese painter specialising in nativity scenes painted on paper, author of the Gernetto Crib now restored and part of the Museum's permanent collection.

To celebrate, the Diocesan Museumin cooperation with the Graphic and Art Collections of the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, presents a Christmas exhibition focusing on Londonio's production in the pastoral world, narrating the tradition of paper nativity scenes in Lombardy.

The oldest specimens, etched and hand-coloured, date back to Londonio's time and are linked to various publishers. Production continued with sheets on the same subject printed in Milan in the 19th century by the Vallardi brothers, and continued into the last century with colour lithographs inspired by the French imagery of Epinal, greeting cards and pop-up cards dedicated to the Nativity.