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| | | POPE CLEMENT XI EMBASSY COACH – The Lisbon coronation | | | | | | |  | | 18th Century (1716)
Triumphal vehicle.
Italian work, made in Rome.
(Inv. nº 10)
Dim: 728x246x325 cm
It comprised part of the group of five thematic coaches and ten accompanying coaches that were in the procession of the Embassy sent to the Pope in 1716 by King João V.
It alludes to the theme of the coronation of Lisbon, capital of the Empire, victorious in the defence of the Christian Faith.
It has an open body, in the so-called Roman style, lined with red silk and decorated with gilt carved wood statues in Baroque style.
On the front part there is an allegory in which a spirit seems to be driving the vehicle with figures symbolizing Heroism and Immortality at its side.
On the tailpiece the figure of Lisbon is being crowned by Fame and on the other side is Abundance, who is holding an elegant cornucopia of flowers and fruits.
At Lisbon’s feet, a winged dragon, symbol of the Royal House, breaks the Muslim crescent before the figures of two shackled slaves representing Africa and Asia.
The interior is lined in red silk with yellow decoration and floral designs in gold thread. | | |  | |
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