Triumphal car, part of a set of five thematic coaches and ten accompaniment coaches included in the Embassy procession to Pope Clemente XI, sent to Rome by King João V in 1716. This was the coach used by Rodrigo Anes de Sá Menezes, Marquis of Fontes, to make his solemn entrance before the Holy See.
Some Facts
- Century
- 18th (1716)
- Vehicle
- Triumphal
- Work
- Italian (Rome)
- Inv
- V 0009
- Dimensions
- 677 x 245 x 358 cm
1 – The open body in “Roman” style is covered in a gold canvas. The interior is also upholstered in gold canvas and the flooring is inlaid with ivory.
2 – The front set of wheels displays the image of Silenus with Minerva and Hope on either side.
3 – Thetis, the goddess of “Navigation”, appears in the rear panel drawing routes on a globe while a triton emerges from the water holding a mariner’s compass.
4 – On the other side, there is the image of Bellona, goddess of War, holding a shield with the Coat of Arms of the Ambassador’s family, which portrays Conquest commanding a lion, symbol of royalty attacking the infidel.
5 – In the centre, the image of a sea monster, the Adamastor, recalls the dangers through which the Portuguese had been through.
