The Nativity Scene of the Basilica da Estrela (Lisbon, Portugal)

A piece of art work by the sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro and several of his collaborators, the monumental Nativity Scene of the Basilica da Estrela was made between 1781 and 1785, under royal patronage.

This magnificent ensemble was designed for a specific space - the House of the Nativity Scene -, located on the second floor of the convent. It was more than once moved from one place to another until it was finally placed on the right vestry of the church, in 1951. The restoration works carried out in 2003-2004 recovered the original composition of the set.

The Nativity Scene is made up of more than 450 figures, most of them shaped out of polychrome terracotta, paper paste and glue. The set is enclosed in a monumental oratory with glass doors, and can now be fully appreciated.

Several evangelic episodes develop from the central scene of the Birth of Jesus: Annunciation and Adoration of the Shepherds, Adoration of the Three Wise Men, The Slaughter of the Innocent, Flight to Egypt. The Royal Convoy was given special relevance, in a clear reference to the royal commissioning of the work.

The Nativity Scene includes a variety of figures inspired in the local people and scenes of the Portuguese everyday life. A plentiful array of angels, seraphs and cherubs makes the whole scene impressively splendorous.

References

• SALDANHA, Sandra Costa, A Basílica da Estrela: Real Fábrica do Santíssimo Coração de Jesus, Lisboa, Livros Horizonte, 2007.
• PEREIRA, Paulo (Dir.), História da Arte Portuguesa, Lisboa, Círculo de Leitores, 1995.
• Instituto Português de Conservação e Restauro, Presépio da Basílica da Estrela, Lisboa, IPCR, 2004