Nativity Scene

There is also a nativity scene that is preserved inside an original wooden cabinet with friezes with and without a belly, and with a cut-out metal lock. Consisting of 32 figures modeled in baked and polychrome clay, based on a cork and wood structure. It probably dates from the 19th or 20th century, and is by Portuguese authors. It was a gift from Manuel Augusto Vieira, on March 18, 1936, to the Menino Deus Institution. The composition of the Nativity Scene is organized into several planes. In the center, below, the Nativity is represented among groups of shepherds and in a degraded setting. In an intermediate plane, other shepherds, sheep, the Magi and other figures appear with scenes from everyday life. In the background, and on a higher plane, an architectural element, a wall, and other groups of characters. At the top, a winged angel, accompanied by figures with a dynamic appearance.