Santons de Provence are an unmissable Provencal tradition. From mid-November onwards, santon markets kick off the Christmas season, delighting young and old alike. But making a santon is no easy task. It takes a lot of time and even more know-how! If you've ever wondered how these little sculptures are made, we've got the answer.

Step 1: Creating the model

First, the santon-maker will sculpt the character he wants to make from a small block of clay, using precise tools such as a scalpel. He works the clay until he has a model that suits him. This model is then used to make the plaster mold.

Step 2: Building the formwork

The craftsman then creates a formwork. This is a small wooden box slightly larger than the model, so that it can fit inside. Before placing the santon inside, the craftsman first lays a bed of clay. Then, he places the statuette on top, half encasing it. Now it's time to pour in the plaster. The mixture is then left to harden, before being removed to obtain part of the santon mold. He repeats the operation on the other side of the santon to obtain the complete mold.

Stage 3: Moulding

With the mold obtained, the santon-maker can now create his santon by moving on to molding. This stage is also known as stamping. The craftsman slides a block of clay into the first part of the mold and closes it with the second part. Enough pressure must be exerted to force the clay into every hollow in the mold. Otherwise, he won't have the details he's carefully drawn on his model. He stamps his name on the base of the figurine.

Step 4: Demoulding

This is when the santon-maker removes the clay from the mold to obtain a faithful sculpture of his model. He then removes the santon from the mold using an iron pick. This tool will also enable him to create a chimney. The chimney will evaporate the air more efficiently during firing, preventing the clay from exploding in the kiln!

Step 5: Finishing touches

Before adding the finishing touches, the santon maker trims the santon. This means removing any excess clay, while taking care to preserve the details and characteristics of the santon. After this stage, he will accentuate or even add details such as accessories for the character he is creating.

Step 6: Smoothing

The santon is then left to dry. This takes an average of two weeks! Yes, you have to be very patient to create santons. During the drying process, the santon will shrink slightly. Experienced craftsmen will need to anticipate this reaction to avoid ending up with a santon that's much smaller than expected. Now it's time for smoothing, the last step before firing. Smoothing involves passing a small sponge over the santon to remove dust, dirt and any excess clay or fingerprints.

Step 7: Cooking

The santons are then placed in the oven for baking. They remain in the oven for 36 hours, reaching 1000 degrees. The oven is left to cool for a full day, with the santons still inside, before being opened at around 60°.

Step 8: Painting

This is the most meticulous and time-consuming stage. Santons are hand-painted with gouache. This is traditional. The santon-maker applies the paint color by color. It's a long and delicate operation. The making of a santon is truly a long-term process. It requires a great deal of patience, skill and attention to detail. Painting is the final stage. All you have to do is wait for the santon to dry, and it's ready for Christmas!

The making of santons in pictures :

https://www.santons-fouque.fr/fr/gallery/fabrication-etape-par-etape.html

Related articles