Vintage Nativity Figurines | Dutch Ceramic Shepherds & Sheep

NATIVITY FIGURINES

It is hard to identify the artist behind these Christmas figurines showing two shepherds and one sheep. The artist most likely was Charles Eyck (1897–1983) because of his relationship to the art scene of Utrecht between 1850-1980. Other members of that scene were Otto van Rees, and Willem Maas. Many of the artists were related to the publishing house De Gemeenschap. My grandparents were closely related by marriage and work to the Utrecht art scene and the publishing house De Gemeenschap. They commissioned Willem Maas for their furniture, Otto van Rees for their wall art, and most likely commissioned a complete naivety from Charles Eyck.

The figurines are distinctive with their typical Dutch ceramic style, especially those associated with nativity scenes. The markings and style suggest they could be related to the mid-20th-century. Charles Eyck, in particular, was known for his religious and figurative ceramics, often produced in collaboration with workshops in Utrecht. Charles Eyck was prolific in creating ceramic figurines, especially religious and nativity scenes, during the mid-20th century. His works often feature a naive, expressive style, and he was closely associated with the Catholic revival in Dutch art, which aligns with the themes of shepherds.

Have you noticed the white and blue ceramic glazes? Typical for Dutch ceramics? Have you noticed how alive the two shepherds are? Have a look at how the shepherd who looks to the heavens sees the star of Bethlehem. Isn't his face wonderful? He just woke up and noticed that star. See his amazement and expectation. It is all there. The sheep is sleeping. It is full of trust and lies close to the shepherds.

My Family’s Connection to the Utrecht Art Scene

My grandparents were deeply embedded in the Utrecht art scene, both by marriage and through their professional lives. My grandfather managed the finances of the Dutch literary magazine De Gemeenschap, which brought him into close contact with many writers and artists of the time. They commissioned works from prominent figures such as Willem Maas for their furniture, Otto van Rees for their wall art, and a complete nativity set from Charles Eyck. They also donated religious art to a nunnery in Utrecht, reflecting their commitment to the cultural and spiritual life of the community.

The Nativity Figurines (summery)

The nativity figurines, featuring two shepherds and a sheep, are also likely the work of Charles Eyck. Their style aligns with Eyck’s expressive, naive approach to religious ceramics, which he produced in collaboration with Utrecht workshops during the mid-20th century. The white and blue glazes are typical of Dutch ceramics, and the figurines are full of life: one shepherd gazes at the star of Bethlehem with wonder, while the other tends to the sleeping sheep, embodying trust and tranquility.