star

Watching over their tiny son, young Mary and Joseph are awestruck as they receive the visit of Andean shepherds. All wear the warm clothing of the Peruvian highlands. The Christmas star illuminates the charming scene by Julio Gallardo. This traditional diorama is known as a retablo; each figurine is individually modeled and painted by hand.

Led to Bethlehem by a star in the east, the Three Kings bring precious gifts to the Christ Child. Mary and Joseph stand on either side as a cow and donkey kneel beside the manger. This colorful box depicts the Epiphany from the Christmas story in the Gospel of Matthew. Alejandro Chávez crafts a traditional Ayacucho-style retablo, a diorama housed in a colorful wood box. The images are modeled of ceramic and painted by hand, and the box closes with a leather latch.

Cradling little Jesus in her arms, the Virgin of Mount Carmel smiles with maternal love. Alejandro Chávez portrays the Madonna named for Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where a chapel was built in her honor before her Assumption into heaven. In 1251 she appeared in England, offering favors and protection to those who wear her scapular. Also known as Immaculate Virgin and Star of the Sea, she inspired the Carmelite order.

This traditional diorama is known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled by hand.

Wearing an elaborate crown, Our Lady of Mount Carmel extends her arms in benediction. Alejandro Chávez portrays the Madonna named for Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where a chapel was built in her honor before her assumption into heaven. In 1251, she appeared in England, offering favors and protection to those who wear her scapular. Also known as Immaculate Virgin and Star of the Sea, she inspired the Carmelite order.

Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure and paints them by hand.

Alejandro Chavez crafts a mirror frame rooted in Andean tradition with four different vignettes. At the top, Andean shepherds serenade the Holy Family beneath the stars on the very first Christmas. To the left and right, a llama and a cow rest outdoors. Along the bottom are three bright flowers. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. The Peruvian artisan carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand to surround a heart-shaped looking glass.