Silvestre Faria Lobo (1725-1785), Late 18th century Polychrome terracotta Inv. 124 and 125 These two terracotta groups originally formed part of a larger nativity scene, almost certainly composed of dozens of other pieces displayed on a structure of glazed wood. Intended to frame a Holy Family, the two groups would be quite close to the observer, meaning that particular care was taken with the modelling and polychrome. On one, we can make out the signature FARIA, which refers to Silvestre Faria Lobo, one of the most important carvers of the 18th century, who produced notable work for some of the rooms in Queluz Palace and also made nativity scenes. In these images we can see some of his trademarks: the theatricality of the gestures and the expressiveness of the faces, animated through the use of glass for the eyes, as well as the attention to detail, for example, in the baskets holding gifts in which we can identify bread, fruit, potatoes and turnips.