Complete Guide to Choosing Nativity Scene Figures

How to Choose the Right Nativity Figurines

Choosing the right figures is essential to create a harmonious and realistic nativity scene. This guide will help you identify the most suitable figurines based on height, style, and material.

A well-built nativity scene must respect perspective: larger figures should be placed in the foreground, while in the background and on upper levels, the statues should gradually decrease in size. This way, the eye perceives depth and realism.

Practical example: if you use 10 cm figures in the foreground, it is advisable to place 8 cm figurines on the second level, further reducing the size towards the background.

Most Popular Nativity Styles

• Classic popular nativity
• Arab-Palestinian nativity
• 18th-century Neapolitan nativity
• Spanish nativity

To achieve a harmonious result, it is important to choose a style during the design phase and maintain it throughout the entire scene. For example, a mountain landscape with flat-roofed Arab houses would look inconsistent; mixing too many different styles can also make the nativity confusing.

Materials of Nativity Figures

The material of the figurines affects both aesthetics and durability. The nativity is often an evolving work, enriched each year with new pieces: to maintain visual balance, it is advisable to purchase figures from the same series or with a similar style and material.

Always check the actual height of the figures: the measurements declared by producers usually refer to a standing adult; seated figures or children will naturally be shorter.

Landi Moranduzzo Figures

Landi Moranduzzo figures, created by sculptor Martino Landi, are among the most popular and appreciated worldwide. Made of plastic or resin, they are available in different styles (classic, historical, 18th-century Neapolitan).

Most common actual heights

• 3.5 cm series → 3.5 cm
• 6 cm series → 5.5 cm
• 8 cm series → 7 cm
• 10 cm series → 8.5 cm
• 12 cm series → 12 cm
• 20 cm series → 20 cm

Oliver Figures (Spain)

Oliver figures reflect the Iberian style. Made of durexina (PVC), they are available in sizes 5, 8, 9, 10, and 15 cm. The new 9 cm series has been designed in Arab style, ideal for nativity scenes with Middle Eastern settings.

Fontanini Figures

Fontanini is a historic Italian brand (since 1908) internationally renowned. PVC figures are offered in various sizes, including 6.5 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, and 30 cm, with a wide choice of characters.

Euromarchi Figures

Euromarchi figurines, produced in Italy in PVC, are available in many sizes. In recent years, they have also been used for outdoor nativity scenes thanks to treatments that make them weather-resistant.

Main sizes

• 3.5 cm
• 4 cm
• 10 cm
• 12 cm
• 16 cm
• 20 cm
• 30 cm (also suitable for outdoor use)
• 45 cm (also suitable for outdoor use)

Pigini Figures

Pigini figures are made of resin and finished with fabric clothes, crafted with great attention to detail for strong realism. The most popular series is 30 cm high, ideal for large nativity scenes.

These figures allow the desired positioning of characters and are especially suitable for main settings and central Nativity scenes. They are intended for indoor nativity scenes and are not suitable for outdoor use.

Dressed Terracotta Figures

Dressed terracotta figures, typical of the artisanal tradition of Caltagirone, are handmade and finished with fabric clothes. Available in various sizes: 9 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, 20–24 cm, and 30 cm. Suitable for medium to large nativity scenes.

Resin Figures

Resin figures offer good detail and a wide assortment of sizes, from 3 to 40 cm. Among these is also the economic Martino Landi series, available in 10 and 12 cm, hand-painted.

Mini Nativities and Small Figures

For compact nativity scenes, mini nativities and figures in metal, plastic, or resin are available. Perfect for simple home scenes or to enrich small dioramas.

Outdoor Figures

The demand for outdoor figures is growing. For outdoor displays, choose figures treated to withstand rain, sun, and frost. The most popular are Euromarchi PVC figures in large sizes (30 and 45 cm). Some large Fontanini figures can also be used if properly treated for outdoor settings.