Daniel, Shepherd with Flute – Fontanini® 18" Collection

Brand: House of Fontanini | Item #53736

Add the peaceful sound and spirit of the shepherds of Bethlehem to your Christmas display with Daniel, Shepherd with Flute #53736 from the Fontanini® 18" Collection. Standing quietly with his flute raised in his hands, Daniel brings a wonderful sense of life, movement, and storytelling to a large-scale Fontanini Italian Nativity.

Designed for an impressive 18" scale Nativity, Daniel is crafted from durable polymer and beautifully sculpted with the expressive character for which Fontanini is known. His layered shepherd's garments, hooded cloak, flowing mantle, satchel, sandals, and slender flute create the appearance of a humble traveler who has paused to offer his music in celebration of the newborn Christ.

A Shepherd's Song for Bethlehem

The shepherds hold a special place in the Christmas story. They were among the first to receive the joyful announcement of Christ's birth and hurried to Bethlehem to see the Child lying in the manger.

Daniel, Shepherd with Flute gives that story a distinctive personality. Rather than portraying a shepherd simply standing with his flock, Fontanini depicts Daniel as a musician. His hands surround the flute while his gentle, contemplative expression suggests a quiet song offered in honor of the Holy Child.

This musical detail makes Daniel particularly appealing in a larger Nativity scene. Place him among the sheep, approaching the Holy Family, or slightly apart from the manger as though his melody is drifting through the Bethlehem night.

Beautifully Detailed for a Large-Scale Nativity

The 18" Fontanini Collection allows the sculptural details of each character to become an important part of the overall display.

Daniel's hood frames his expressive face and beard, while his garments are layered in warm, earthy colors appropriate to a Bethlehem shepherd. A sweeping cloak creates movement through the figure, and his satchel and simple sandals reinforce his humble character.

Most distinctive is the flute held delicately between his hands, a small storytelling element that gives Daniel an identity all his own.

At 18" scale, these details remain visible even when displayed in a church sanctuary, narthex, chapel, school, or other large setting where smaller Nativity figures can easily disappear.

Build the Story Beyond the Holy Family

One of the joys of collecting Fontanini is the ability to expand your Nativity beyond Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus and gradually create an entire Bethlehem scene.

Adding characters such as Daniel introduces another layer of storytelling. Shepherds can be arranged with sheep in the surrounding countryside before being moved closer to the manger, creating the impression that Bethlehem is filled with people responding to the miracle of Christ's birth.

Pair Daniel with other Fontanini 18" shepherds, sheep, angels, the Three Kings, Seated Ox, Seated Donkey, and the Holy Family to create a richly populated Nativity display with depth and meaning.

The Fontanini Tradition – Since 1908

The Fontanini Nativity tradition began more than a century ago in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, in the beautiful hills of Tuscany. In 1908, Emanuele Fontanini established the family business that would grow from a small artisan workshop into an internationally recognized name in Nativity craftsmanship.

Generation after generation, the Fontanini family has continued a tradition centered around sculpting characters that don't merely decorate a Nativity—they help tell its story.

Figures are meticulously sculpted and molded in durable polymer, a material especially well suited to capturing fine sculptural detail while offering greater practicality for seasonal handling than more fragile materials. Skilled artisans then bring the characters to life through hand-painted finishes.

Daniel beautifully represents that storytelling tradition. His flute, clothing, posture, and expression transform him from a generic shepherd into an individual character within the world surrounding Bethlehem.

An Heirloom Addition for Church, Parish or Home

The substantial 18" scale makes Daniel an excellent addition to larger Nativity displays. He is especially well suited for church sanctuaries and narthexes, parish and chapel displays, religious schools and institutions, large residential Nativities, and collectors creating an heirloom-scale Fontanini scene.

For an especially engaging display, position Daniel near a grouping of sheep or on the outer edge of the Nativity scene, directing his attention toward the manger. The figure adds height and visual interest while helping lead the viewer's eye back toward the Holy Family.

Shop Fontanini at House of Fontanini

When you shop Fontanini at House of Fontanini, you're shopping with a locally owned small business that shares your love for these remarkable Nativity figures.

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 craftsmanship, collect the pieces, and believe in the story behind them.

Our mission says it best:

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

Add Daniel, Shepherd with Flute #53736 to your Fontanini Italian Nativity and bring the shepherds' joyful response to the birth of Christ into your Christmas display.

Product Details

• Product: Daniel, Shepherd with Flute
• Fontanini Item #: 53736
• UPC: 089945318241
• Collection: Fontanini® 18" Collection
• Scale: 18" Nativity Scale
• Character: Daniel the Shepherd
• Design: Shepherd with Flute
• Material: Durable Polymer
• Theme: Fontanini 18" Retail
• Coordinates With: Fontanini 18" Holy Family, sheep, shepherds, angels, Three Kings and stable animals
• Ideal For: Churches, parishes, chapels, religious institutions, large home Nativities and heirloom collections

Masterpiece Collection Availability

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

For special-order items being sent from the workshop in Tuscany, please allow up to 120 days.

To check current availability of Daniel #53736, please contact our Parish Sales Department at 507-469-9659 or email House of Fontanini. We will gladly check availability for you!