ADVENT CALENDAR 2024

December 13

THE SANTONS OF CHARLEVOIX

Bernard Boivin
Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, Quebec, Canada
Fired clay, paint
2011, 2012

The word santons, meaning “little saints,” refers to traditional figurines in a French Nativity scene, which include both religious and secular characters. Artist Bernard Boivin, who lives in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive in Quebec, began making his Charlevoix santons in 1984. Boivin’s figurines are inspired by the rich traditions of the Charlevoix region and are dressed in the distinctive clothing of the area. For example, Joseph wears boots, a fur hat, and a heavy coat tied at the waist.

Occupations from the past include the miller, farmer, schoolteacher, and lumberjack. Father Jean-Baptiste de la Brosse, a Jesuit priest renowned for extinguishing a forest fire by tracing a line on the ground with a stick, is depicted with fire at his feet. Famous French explorers include Jacques Cartier (shown in a white shirt with his arms crossed) and Samuel de Champlain (shown in a blue coat). Local landmarks include the 18th-century mill on L’Isle-aux-Coudres and the church in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive.

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