From intricately carved cradles cherished in European convents to syncretic versions crafted in colonial Goa, miniature beds of the Christ Child were intimate devotional objects that bridged continents and cultures. Emerging in the 14th century, especially among religious women, these cribs invited tender, emotional forms of prayer and reflection. This talk explores their spiritual and performative roles, tracing how European models circulated and transformed across regions. Through these delicate objects, we uncover stories of cross-cultural devotion, artistic adaptation, and the ways faith was shaped through touch, tenderness, and material imagination.

Jessica Butori holds a degree in Art History from the University of Pisa, where she wrote her thesis on miniature cribs and cradles of the Infant Jesus. She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Florence. Her research focuses on iconological themes, the interactive and performative nature of devotional objects, and 15th-century Central Italian painting. Her upcoming publications include articles in Arte Cristiana and Ludica. Annali di storia e civiltà del gioco, reflecting her deep interest in the intersections of material culture, devotion, and visual storytelling.

Date - 12th July 2025

Time - 4:00 pm IST/ 12:30 pm CEST

Online via Zoom

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