Standing Sheep - Fontanini® 18" or 20 Inch Masterpiece Collection

Standing Sheep – Fontanini® 18"/20" Scale Collection

Brand: House of Fontanini | Item #53437

Bring the peaceful countryside of Bethlehem into your Nativity with the beautifully detailed Standing Sheep #53437 by Fontanini. Sculpted with deeply textured fleece, long gentle ears, an attentive expression, and a natural walking stance, this substantial Nativity animal adds warmth, realism, and pastoral character to a large-scale Fontanini Italian Nativity.

Made in Italy and individually hand-painted, this Standing Sheep is crafted from durable polymer and measures approximately 12.5"H x 14.5"W.  #53437 is a large-scale Standing Sheep compatible with  the18" or 20" scale.

Bring the Shepherds' Fields of Bethlehem to Life

Animals are an essential part of a richly developed Nativity scene, and few are more closely connected to the Christmas story than the humble sheep.

The Standing Sheep #53437 is depicted in a wonderfully natural pose, with one front leg extended slightly forward as though the animal is walking toward the shepherds and manger. Its alert head, expressive eyes, long ears, curled tail, and extensively sculpted wool create a remarkably lifelike appearance.

Warm, natural coloring and individually defined waves of fleece give the figure dimension from every angle. Richer tones around the hooves provide contrast and help visually ground the animal within the surrounding Bethlehem landscape.

Rather than appearing static, this sheep introduces a subtle sense of movement—an important detail when creating a large Nativity scene that feels alive.

An Essential Companion for Your Fontanini Shepherds

Pair the Standing Sheep with Gabriel carrying his lamb, Daniel the Shepherd, Josiah the Bagpiper, and other shepherd figures to create a complete pastoral scene.

You can position the sheep near the manger as though it has followed the shepherds to see the Christ Child, place it farther away among a larger flock, or use several sheep at varying distances to create depth across a large display.

Made in Italy & Hand-Painted

The Fontanini Nativity tradition began in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, more than a century ago. From the workshop established by Emanuele Fontanini in 1908 grew a family tradition devoted to creating Nativity figures that help bring the people, animals, and landscape of Bethlehem to life.

Current product information for Standing Sheep #53437 identifies the figure as made in Italy, handcrafted and hand-painted, with polymer construction. 

That craftsmanship can be seen in the sheep's carefully modeled fleece. Instead of a simple textured surface, the wool is sculpted in long, individually defined waves and curls, giving the animal the dimensional character collectors expect from a large Fontanini piece.

The Symbolism of the Sheep at Christmas

A sheep carries special meaning within a Christian Nativity.

Sheep immediately recall the shepherds outside Bethlehem, who were among the first to receive the angelic announcement of Christ's birth. They also reinforce one of Christianity's most enduring images: Christ as both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God.

Adding sheep around the shepherds and Holy Family therefore does more than fill an empty space in your display. These peaceful animals help connect different parts of the Christmas story and create a visual transition from the fields surrounding Bethlehem to the manger itself.

Create a Grand Church, Parish or Home Nativity

The larger size makes Standing Sheep #53437 especially well suited for church sanctuaries and narthexes, parish and chapel displays, religious schools and institutions, large residential Nativities, and established Fontanini Masterpiece collections.

Add several sheep around your shepherd figures to create a flock, combine the Standing Sheep with Fontanini's seated sheep for variation in height and pose, or position #53437 near the stable animals to create a fuller Bethlehem scene.

For collectors who already own the Holy Family and major characters, animals like this Standing Sheep are an excellent way to make the Nativity feel increasingly complete.

Shop Fontanini at House of Fontanini

When you shop Fontanini at House of Fontanini, you're purchasing from a locally owned small business with a genuine love for the Nativity tradition.

For more than 25 years, House of Fontanini has proudly served collectors, families, churches, and parishes from our Minnesota warehouse. We don't simply sell Fontanini—we appreciate the artistry, collect the pieces, and believe in the story they were created to tell.

Our mission says it best:

“Telling His Story, one piece at a time.”

Add Standing Sheep #53437 to your Fontanini Italian Nativity and bring another peaceful inhabitant of the Bethlehem countryside into your treasured Christmas scene.

Product Details

• Product: Standing Sheep
• Fontanini Item #: 53437
• UPC: 089945534375
• Collection: Fontanini® Large-Scale / Masterpiece Nativity
• Scale: Commonly cataloged as 18" or 20" scale
• Actual Dimensions: Approximately 12.5"H x 14.5"W
• Material: Marble-Based Resin / Polymer
• Finish: Hand-Painted
• Made in: Italy
• Master Sculptor: Elio Simonetti (per current retailer catalog information)
• Design: Standing sheep in natural walking pose
• Coordinates With: Fontanini large-scale Holy Family, shepherds, sheep, angels, Three Kings, ox, donkey, and other Nativity figures
• Ideal For: Churches, parishes, chapels, institutions, large home Nativities and heirloom Fontanini collections

Masterpiece Collection Availability

Please note that larger Fontanini Masterpiece Collection pieces, ranging from approximately 18" to 70", are typically stocked when available. Due to their size, intricate craftsmanship, and higher cost, some pieces may be available on a special-order basis.

For special-order pieces that need to be sent from the workshop in Tuscany, please allow up to 120 days.

To check current availability of Standing Sheep #53437, please contact our Parish Sales Department at 507-469-9659 or email House of Fontanini. We will gladly check for you!