Santons are hand-painted terracotta nativity scene figurines produced in the Provence region of southeastern France. Santons are molded in two halves, pressed together, and fused. Hats, baskets, and other accessories are applied with an adhesive. The maker of these two santons, Claude Carbonel, was born in Marseille. He came from a long line of Santon makers and, in 1966, he started his own business after training for five years with his father. Carbonel created hundreds of models and new ideas, respecting the popular traditions of Provence. These two precious Santons are paired with a small canvas of the Ile Saint Louis.