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| | | MARIA ANA of AUSTRIA COACH | | | | | | |  | | 18th Century (1708)
Ceremonial vehicle.
Austrian or Dutch work.
Inv. nº 6
Dim: 684x208x292 cm
Emperor Joseph I of Austria ordered it for the marriage of his sister, Maria Ana, to the King João V of Portugal.
It arrived in Lisbon by sea in a fleet of 11 ships.
Decorated in the French style of Louis XIV. Its decoration in gilt carved woodwork shows the royal coat of arms of Portugal and the monograms of the Queen with crowned lions, symbol of royal power, on each side. There is also reference to the virtues of the Queen. On the angles below the body are female figures symbolizing Dignity, Affection, Sincerity and Strength.
On the upper part of the front angles are Europe and America and, on the back, Africa and Asia.
The upper panel on the rear part is decorated with a painting showing Minerva being crowned by a spirit and surrounded by female figures that symbolize the virtues of Truth, Fortitude and Fidelity.
The set of wheels is decorated in the same manner as the body with gilt carved woodwork.
A gilt bronze plate engraved with statues of Abundance covers the springs.
The suspension straps are covered with velvet and have engraved bronze buckles. The wheel spokes recall the shape of sceptres. | | |  | |
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