By the seventeenth century, Portugal had created a large yet spatially disperse empire. Instead of a physical barrier, the ocean had become the main connection between the different corners of the world where the Portuguese empire was present, assuring any communication between these.
Considering the fact that Portugal was a sea-based power, it became essential for the kingdom to be able to ensure its control over the oceans. Such a strategy would only be possible through permanent maritime vigilance, the development of improved naval combat and defence techniques, and the constant renovation of the Portuguese Fleet.
In this context, a new ship typology emerged, larger in size than what had existed previously, as well as more powerful, better armed and richly adorned, being usually portrayed in contemporary paintings. These new ships served a purpose beyond military and shipping capabilities – they had to be a symbol of ostentation and power for their respective royal family.
Inserted within this spirit of assertion of maritime sovereignty are the ship models present in this room, such as the Nau Príncipe da Beira, the frigates Ulysses, Rainha de Portugal and the emblematic D. Fernando II e Glória, prime examples of the tall ships that represent the height of the Age of Sail.