Royal Barge
Origin: Portugal
Date: Eighteenth century (1780)
Material: Wood
Dimension: Lenght: 29,33 m, Beam 3,98 m, Pontal: 1,32 m
MM.04627
This vessel was built by order of Queen Maria I, for the betrothal of her son, the future King João VI, with Princess Carlota Joaquina, in 1784. Construction began in 1780, under the direction of José Torcato Clavina, an important shipbuilder at the Arsenal Real de Marinha (Navy Royal Shipyard).
The vessel featured 40 oars, manned by 78 oarsmen. All the oars were handled by two rowers, except for the oars at the bow. It is the most richly ornamented barge from the Museum’s collection, with numerous mythological figures portrayed in fine gilded wood. Throughout her commissioned life, she participated in very important historical events. In 1808, when the Portuguese Court was moved to Rio de Janeiro, she transported the Royal Family to the fleet that would take them to Brazil. In 1821, she was used to transport King João VI, when he returned from the Portuguese colony of Brazil. She was also used to carry many foreign monarchs visiting Lisbon, sailing for the last time in 1957, when she was used to transport Queen Elizabeth II of England during her visit to Portugal.