“Arrival at Carregado do Comboio Real” Watercolour

This watercolour, by António Joaquim de Santa Bárbara, depicts Royal Train’s arrival at Carregado with the Royal Family, members of the Court, diplomatic corps, clergy and various members of society of the time. Through various news articles from the time, we know that the trip took around five and a half hours, being marked by several mishaps, such as the breakdown of locomotives and the abandoning of several coaches with guests along the line. Although suffering a slightly troubled start, the train would quickly evolve to become the most important means of transport by the end of the 19th century.