Dioramas

A Diorama is a scale model, representing a scene with three-dimensional models and figures,
either in miniature or as a large-scale museum exhibit. Dioramas have become my favorite
means to express my ideas in 3 dimensions.

        "Il Presepio” (Presepe, pl) - is a classic Italian Christmas Nativity scene, consisting of hand
crafted miniature figures and animals in a realistic setting; a diorama. This Italian tradition dates all
the way back to St. Francis of Assisi, who commissioned the first Presepio in the 13^th century.

        I am a direct decedent of this line of Italian craftsmen, building miniature dioramas.
My dioramas depict both realistic and fantastical scenes, focusing on the daily lives
of everyday people and their surroundings.

The following Dioramas represent some of my past work, and are now SOLD.
For more information, or to discuss a commission, contact me at cspirito41@gmail.com

Vespa Repair Shop (Original Version)

This Diorama was my first attempt at a Scooter Repair Shop. Recently, I revised this diorama to
reduce the size. It is still available in revised form, on my "FEATURED" page.

The focus is on the details of the models. Vinnie, an amateur outdoor mechanic, works on tuning
a customer's scooter, while the owner looks on.

It is based on an inexpensive die-cast toy scooter, which was stripped of paint, disassembled,
and then rebuilt and detailed, especially the engine. The figures are my own sculptures, and
some of the hand tools are commercial items. I also added lots of details from other scooter models
I had, piled in the back corner, near the workbench. This diorama garnered a lot of "Wow"
comments at a recent Art Show. Built July, 2017.  
 


  

  




ERIS, A Steampunk Airship

This is a "flying diorama'! It is an Airship, run by Gnomes, designed and built in a "Steampunk"
style. It is about 21" long by 14" wide, and was made from wood, brass, plastic, wire, string, muslin,
and many other bits. It can be set on it's landing gear, or hung from a thin fishing line.
I built it in 2019.  Available for Purchase.



 




La Strada, Senza Uscita
(Dead-End Street)

This is an Italian street scene, set in a "low-income" area, perhaps in 1950's Naples. A serious
game of checkers is the focus here. It is being watched by "Nonna" (grandma) on her balcony.
Otto watches leaning against the street light.

1" scale, about 16"W X 12" D. Street Lights and building are lighted. Made from Styrofoam, plastic,
brass, wire, etc. Figures sculpted by me. Balcony railing and lights made by Antonio
Malacario in Naples.  I recently disassembled it and used many parts to create other new dioramas. 
Built 2015-16. In a private collection.

  

  

  




Il Caffe - Bar
 
This Diorama shows a scene in an Italian Coffee Bar in the 1920's. The Espresso Machine is a vintage model, and the figure sitting on the right is a portrait of my father, Pasquale. Most of the diorama was made by me, but a few things (cups, saucers, stove) were made from kits. The scale (as are most of my dioramas) is 1" per foot.  Built, 2015.  In a private collection.

  



  








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