Censer

Art Historical Context

This exquisite copper gilt censer, by an unknown artist in Naples during the second half of 18th century, a charming accessory from the city's renowned tradition of crèches—elaborate nativity scenes known as *presepi*. Standing just 2½ inches tall (or 9¼ inches with delicate chains), it would have swung gently in a festive display, releasing fragrant incense to evoke the sacred atmosphere of the Nativity. Neapolitan crèches, popular among the nobility and clergy, blended religious devotion with lively depictions of everyday life, shepherds, and angels, transforming Christmas into a vibrant spectacle. The censer's gleaming gilt surface, achieved through skilled gilding over copper, highlights the period's masterful metalworking techniques, such as repoussé and chasing, which added intricate details and a luxurious sheen. This small object exemplifies the Baroque flair of 18th-century Naples, where decorative arts flourished amid the city's opulent churches and palaces. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection—gifted by Loretta Hines Howard in 1964—it invites visitors to imagine the twinkling lights and aromatic haze of a traditional Neapolitan *presepe*, bridging art, faith, and festivity across centuries.