ADVENT CALENDAR 2025

December 4

“KOSTNER” NATIVITY FROM VAL GARDENA

Demetz Art Studio
Ortisei, Italy
Linden wood
Probably 1930s

The Demetz Art Studio, founded in 1872, is one of the leading workshops for ecclesiastical woodcarving in Val Gardena, a region long renowned for its carving tradition. Generations of the Demetz family have maintained this craft, passing skills from father to son. The studio is now led by Reto Demetz, who succeeded his parents, Ivo Demetz (1929–2021) and Brigitte Riffeser (1942–2017).

This “Kostner” Nativity (#1902) design was named for the original family in Val Gardena that designed and carved this style of Nativity, which now continues to be produced by the Demetz studio. The largest version of this design is in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

On loan from A.J. DiAntonio, Malvern, PA

Glencairn Museum’s World Nativities exhibition runs from November 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Visit us at Follow the Star: A 2025 Advent Calendar.