Model of the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Title: Model of the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Description: This item is a 3D digital model of a 17th century replica model of the Church of the Nativity. Numerous models of this type were carved by Bethlehem artisans between the 16th and 19th centuries, using scale drawings produced by the Franciscan community resident in the town. The artisans carved the models from olive and pistachio wood with inlays of mother-of-pearl and camel bone. Models such as the one presented here were designed to be dismantled with various detachable parts, allowing interior features of the church to be viewed. They were commissioned by the Franciscans to be sold or donated to pilgrims, dignitaries and churches all over Europe. This particular model is extremely rare - one of only three known models of this type of the Nativity Church, and is held in the private collection of George al-'Ama in Bethlehem. The others are held by the British Museum in London and in Rimini, Italy. Our thanks go to George al-A'ma for providing access to the model.; View the 3D digital model here
Subject: Bethlehem; Palestine; Biblical gaze; Mother-of-pearl; Olive wood; Bethlehem artisans; Franciscans; Devotional objects
License: CC BY 4.0
Creator: Bethlehem artisans, 17th century
Contributor: Freja Howat
Date: 17th century
Type: 3D digital model
Source: George al-A'ma private collection.
Spatial Coverage: 31.704387230147308, 35.207659149486645
Date (approximate): 2022