Valentim da Fonseca e Silva

He began his career as a sculptor, and numerous sculptural works within Rio de Janeiro's churches have been attributed to him.

João Francisco Muzzi's painting includes Mestre Valentim presenting architectural plans to the viceroy.

One of his most ambitious projects was the design of the Passeio Público of Rio de Janeiro, the first public park in Brazil.

The sculptural works of the park include stylized entrance gates; two obelisks; statutes of Greek gods and Brazilian plants and animals; and several fountains.

Rachel Zimmerman, "Mestre Valentim, Passeio Publico, Rio de Janeiro," in Smarthistory, May 19, 2019, https://smarthistory.org/valentim-passeio-publico/.

Alligator fountain, Passeio Publico, Rio de Janeiro
detail, João Francisco Muzzi, Happy and quick rebuilding of the church of the old Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Parto, started in August 25th, 1789 and concluded in Dezember 2nd of the same year.