Fanal with Christ Child resting and holding a red fruit (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
Throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries, every fashionable European home had at least one bell jar, displaying curiosities such as stuffed birds and scientific instruments. When the trend travelled to South America, it took a distinctly religious turn.
Fanal with Christ Child reclined together to a neo-gothic missal (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
Known in Spanish as fanales, these bell jars enclosed miniature models of saints and scenes from the life of Christ. These incredibly intricate displays demonstrated publicly the piety of their owners, and offered something to contemplate in private prayer.
Fanal with Christ Child sleeping on His right arm (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
These devotional objects drew on the long history in Spain of painted sculptures. While a church or a cathedral might commission a life size sculpture, a tabletop version would better suit a family home.
Fanal with Christ Child as Doctorcito with wedding ribbon (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
The small size of these figures offered a very personal experience. The natural elements introduced into these scenes, such as seeds and wheat ears, offered a connection between the spiritual and the everyday worlds.
Fanal with Christ Child leaning and porcelain basket (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
This example is richly decorated with flowers, fruits, orange blossoms bouquets, and leaves of different colours. These exquisite details required many specialised skills; wood, glass, fabric, porcelain, and wax are just a few of the materials used.
Fanal with Christ Child as Doctorcito under a filigree tree and mother-of-pearl (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
This scene, showing Christ teaching the doctors under the Tree of Life, uses bronze threads for the boughs, silver strands for the roots, and small pieces of mother-of-pearl for the leaves.
Fanal of the Nativity (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
Most fanales show scenes from the infant life of Christ. Unlike scenes from his later life and death, these make a suitable subject for a domestic space.
Fanal with Christ Child as Doctorcito, with chicken and basket (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
Some fanales combined typical Christian imagery with symbolism drawn from South American folklore. This particular one features the unusual image of the Christ child holding a chicken and a basket.
Fanal with Christ Child reclined and parrot (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
Other fanales include distinctly South American details. This bright green parrot on a bird swing wouldn't be out of place in a real home.
Fanal with Christ Child reclined on one side and with porcelain vases (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
Fanales are excellent examples of domestic fashion meeting popular devotion. They offer a look into the religious culture of the period and the aesthetics of the family home.
Fanal of the Nativity with dried flowers, red fruit tree and pearls (ca. 1780) by Unknown attributed to follower of Manuel Chili CaspicaraMuseo de Artes Universidad de los Andes
Catholicism remains the major religion in South America, but fanales have become curiosities. These fanales are held in the collection of the Museo de Artes Universidad de los Andes, Chile. Take a look to learn more about the colonial and cultural history of South America.
