presepio figure's gold and white turban, unknown maker from Italy

Presepio collectors in 18th-century Naples sought to impress their visitors with more elaborate presepio displays. This figure, a magus, or member of the priestly class in ancient Persia, probably once held the reins of a horse in his outstretched hand. The leopard print fabric that adorns his middle section and sleeves is notable. In the 18th century, leopard print brocades and velvets were worn as cosmopolitan fashion statements by the rich.