Portugal, early 19th century Terracotta, paper, dried plants Inv. 118 Housed within a sacrarium, the figures in this nativity scene are thought to have been modelled in the early 19th century by one of the many Portuguese nativity scene makers who remained anonymous. As well as the Holy Family, it features various shepherds and angels in adoration, demonstrating the keen interest in this type of representation that was noticeable throughout the previous century. The figure of the Virgin stands out from the others, appearing with long wavy hair hanging loose over her shoulders, in a clear reference to the vision of the Nativity observed by Saint Bridget. The use of cut gold paper and the presence of dried plants and fabric flowers leads us to believe that the pieces were assembled by a woman, probably a nun, as this type of work was common in the old convents. The care taken with the staging of the scene, despite the disproportion in the placing of some figures, as well as the attention to detail, offers a perfect reflection of the pleasure that owners took in the organisation of their nativity scenes.