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February 20, 2008
The Fontanini Crucifix: The Family Behind the Fontanini Name
The Fontanini Family is synonymous with Italian quality and craftsmanship. On their crucifixes, the figures of Christ are hand-painted by Italian artisans. Such artisan quality is becoming more and more rare as mass production and the "Made in China" logo become evermore common.
In Italian, fontanini means "little fountains". The House of Fontanini was founded in 1908 by Emanuele Fontanini in Bagni di Lucca, Italy. Bagni di Lucca is a small town in the hills of Tuscany, about 20 kilometers north of Lucca, a medieval Tuscan jewel. Fontanini is most famous for its nativity scenes, which have become collector's items. They also produce figurines for other New Testament scenes such as the Wedding Feast at Cana, the Last Supper, and the Resurrection. Today the company is run by the great-grandson, Emanuele Fontanini (same name), with other members of the family.
All Fontanini figurines begin as a clay prototype, created by the sculptor Eli Simonetti. Smaller figurines are reproduced in a specially-formulated polymer which are guaranteed to never chip or break, while larger ones are made from a marble-based resin. Then they are all hand painted.
Fontanini crucifixes are beautiful reminders of God's abundant love for us. As we continue into the Lenten season, let us make sure we have a crucifix in our home to remind us of His awesome sacrifice.
Posted by Daniel at February 20, 2008 1:50 PM
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