Ceremonial vehicle ordered by Joseph I Emperor of Austria, on the occasion of the marriage of his sister, Queen Maria Ana, to the king of Portugal, D. João V. It arrived in Lisbon by sea on a fleet of eleven ships.
Decorated in the French style of Louis XIV. Focal points in the carved woodwork are the royal coat of arms of Portugal and monograms of the Queen with crowned lions, symbol of royal power, on each side. On the upper part of the front angles are Europe and America and, the back, Africa and Asia. The exterior is completely covered with magnificient work in gilt carved wood that has an extensive iconographic grouping that refers to the virtues of the Queen. On the angles below the body are female figures. symbolizing Dignity, Affection, Sincerity and Strength. 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 carved woodwork. The springs are covered by a gilt bronze plate engraved with statues of Abundance.
The harness straps are covered with velvet and engraved bronze buckles. The wheel spokes recall the shape of sceptres.
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