Kubasta, Vojtech. Loretansky Betlem. Prague: Orbis, 1972. First edition. Pop-up nativity display. 43 x 24 x 13 cm. Color pictorial printed board. Language: Czech. Printed in Czechoslovakia.
A rare large-format freestanding nativity tableau by Vojtech Kubasta, complete with both original interlocking freestanding figures: a shepherd with a baguette and a sheep. This piece features a rich multi-paneled design, including a slide-out backdrop showing the skyline of Loreta in Prague and an attached flip-out house scene—an element rarely documented. It exemplifies Kubasta’s mastery in transforming thin board into intricate three-dimensional storytelling. Designed for tabletop display, the structure stands securely and folds flat.
Condition: Very Good. All elements present and fully functional. Minor bend lines and edgewear; no tears or repairs. Both stand-up figures are intact. See photos.
Collector’s Corner: Kubasta frequently incorporated nativity themes into his paper engineering. Loretansky Betlem was commissioned in 1972 for Prague’s Art Hall, a Catholic Charity initiative. Its advanced printing featured not only CMYK but a fifth spot color and gold accenting. The 1991 reprint was issued by AZ Servis, and a third edition was produced by Kubasta’s grandson in 1995, restoring many original design elements.
See the November 13, Volume 21, Number 4 edition of Movable Stationary for an article on Kubasta’s Christmas pop-ups by Theo Gielen. As noted in Pop-ups, Illustrated Books, and Graphic Designs of Czech Artist and Paper Engineer, Vojtech Kubasta (1914–1992) by James A. Findlay and Ellen G. K. Rubin: “Among the more collectible and rare of Kubasta’s pop-ups are the nativity tableaux. It is estimated that he made fifteen to seventeen nativities including table decorations, greeting cards, and creches.”
Known examples of Kubasta’s nativity publications include:
Pojdte s nami do Betlema – "Come with Us to Bethlehem" (1952) – issued as a construction sheet in a Czech magazine.
Lidovy Betlem – "People’s Creche" (1953; reprinted 1967 and 1991). 1953 – issued as a construction sheet in a Czech magazine
Moravske Jeslicky – "Moravian Crib" (1954). 1954 – issued as a construction sheet in a Czech magazine
Lidove Jeslicky – "People’s Nativity" (1967 and 1968; possible 1991 reprint).
Vanocni Betlem – Oftis, 1968 (also issued 1990 by Giamon Roman and later pirated versions in the 1990s and 2011).
Prazsky Betlem – Orbis, 1968 and 1969; reissued as a construction panorama sheet in 1991.
Loretansky Betlem – Orbis, 1972 (this edition).
Cesky Betlem – Printed nativity sheet, 1991 (possible earlier printing unconfirmed).