Royal cars in the collection of National Coach Museum
As befits a royal family, its members usually had several vehicles in the "garage" (carriage house). They were used in everyday life, but also for special occasions like weddings, coronations and important ceremonies in general. In this exhibition the National Coach Museum is presenting selected vehicles from the collection. Join us for a ride!
This 18th century (1st half) Portuguese ceremonial vehicle belonged to King João V. The King had it built for the Portuguese Royal House. During the 19th century this coach was used for the visits of foreign Chiefs of State to Portugal.
The closed body has flowing, undulating lines, a sign of the Rocaille style. The gilt, carved woodwork has been attributed to the sculptor José de Almeida (1700-1769), in collaboration with his brother Félix Vicente de Almeida, wood carver for the Royal House.
The side panels and doors have wood in a form known as bombé ("blown out"). There are heads of young women known as Espagnolettes distributed in numerous places in the woodwork and engraved bronze of the coach structure. The suspension springs are decorated with female figures ( Espagnolettes) and the rear wheels display the 12 signs of Zodiac.
The lively symbiosis of the styles of Kings Louis XIV and Louis XV highlight the decoration in an interpretation of Portuguese characteristics. The gilt and red carved woodwork is very rich in decoration and movement. Below this is a mixture of masks, volutes, Atlases, chains of flowers and fruit, winged spirits and human heads with features notably like American Indians, clearly recalling Portuguese contact with Brazil.
Coach of Queen Maria Ana of Austria - the textiles conservation and restoration focused on stabilization of the roof covering elements, the belts and locking straps of the box.
