The Kögl nativity scene was created for a middle-class home by Johann Peter Schwanthaler the Elder. Its name comes from the client, goldsmith Paul Kögl, who was a neighbour of the family. The Holy Family shelters under a simple structure made of planks. The shepherds and their sheep have come to worship them. 

These delicate, small-scale works are examples of the finest wood carving skill and were not polychrome. So no gesso, paint or gilding was applied to them.

Unlike the paintings of the era, sculptures were only rarely inscribed with the artist’s signature or date. The Kögl nativity scene is an exception to the rule: behind the right-hand dove on the roof is carved the intricate monogram JPS. And the date of 1792, divided into two parts, can be seen on the front of the posts supporting the stable roof.

The Kögl nativity scene was the first exhibit acquired by the Ried Museum Association.