Santon translates to "little saints"
Provencale Language: Santoun
Provencale Language: Santoun
The history of the Santon begins with the closing of churches in France after the revolution of 1789.
Jean-Louis Lagnel, a church statue maker, had the idea to create the little biblical figures to sell to church goers, who were prohibited from attending church. The nativity scene was an instant success and soon he was making special figurines that reflected all aspects of village life.
As the story goes, Lagnel was walking in the countryside of Aubagne, on a wet day. The clay soil stuck to his boots and as he cleaned them off, he recognized the sticky quality of the earth that could be easily formed and he made his first little figurine. Clay has a long history in the Provence region, which we will explore at a later rendezvous. The santon are modeled by hand, and then a mold is made for further figurines. They are hand painted in bright colors. Interestingly, they are clothed in the local costume typical of the early 1800's, when the craft of santonnier reached it's peak.
Their are approximately 120 santonniers ( Santon craftsmen) in the region. Although the Santon are widely and proudly exhibited and praised during the Christmas season, they are sold year round, and appear in practically every village shop that sells specialties of the region.
Two types of santon exist. The small clay figurines and the larger clay figurines that are dressed in costume made of cloth in bright colors and typical patterns. In the next few days, we will visit a few *CRECHE, in the surrounding villages, so come back for another visit soon!
Jean-Louis Lagnel, a church statue maker, had the idea to create the little biblical figures to sell to church goers, who were prohibited from attending church. The nativity scene was an instant success and soon he was making special figurines that reflected all aspects of village life.
As the story goes, Lagnel was walking in the countryside of Aubagne, on a wet day. The clay soil stuck to his boots and as he cleaned them off, he recognized the sticky quality of the earth that could be easily formed and he made his first little figurine. Clay has a long history in the Provence region, which we will explore at a later rendezvous. The santon are modeled by hand, and then a mold is made for further figurines. They are hand painted in bright colors. Interestingly, they are clothed in the local costume typical of the early 1800's, when the craft of santonnier reached it's peak.
Their are approximately 120 santonniers ( Santon craftsmen) in the region. Although the Santon are widely and proudly exhibited and praised during the Christmas season, they are sold year round, and appear in practically every village shop that sells specialties of the region.
Two types of santon exist. The small clay figurines and the larger clay figurines that are dressed in costume made of cloth in bright colors and typical patterns. In the next few days, we will visit a few *CRECHE, in the surrounding villages, so come back for another visit soon!
Scenes from the exhibit at the tourist office in Carpentras
Most every city has a santon display set up in the Office du Tourism or the Hotel de Dieu-City hall. In addition, every church displays a Creche...Nativity scene.
The Nativity
The Village Life
Festive Dancing
Agriculture:
Cultivating Olives and Lavendar
Plowing the Fields
Daily Washing Chores at the Communal Fount
A Gypsy Camp
Santon Museum in Fontaine de Vauclause
VOCABULARY
Creche- means crib and comes from the christian practice of displaying a nativity scene with the crib of baby Jesus at Christmas time. This tradition came to Provence via Italy in the 17C.
Santonnier- A santon crafts person.
Argile- Clay
Atelier- Workshop
Other Information:
Santon fair in Marseille is held on the Canebiere from the last Sunday in November to Epiphany.
The worlds largest creche is located in Grignan, in the Drome department of provence.
Musee- Museums
Museum in Fontaine de Vaucluse- One of the largest collections of santon in Provence
Musee du Vieux Marseille
Musee National des Arts et Traditions Populaires in Paris
La Petite Provence du Paradou...(http://www.lapetiteprovence.com/)
Recomended website...http://www.provencebeyond.com
My favorite is the flock of sheep!
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