Belonging to the Museum's collection since 1926, this great size oil painting
(4,20m x 8,20m) by Vitor Meireles depicts in a dramatic and heroic way, the
combat that took place in June 1865, between the Paraguayan and the
Brazilian naval fleet. The "Naval Combat of Riachuelo" integrates a set
of paintings that, intentionally, glorified the Imperial State, presenting
it as the legitimate conductor of the Brazilian nation.
The first version made by the the artists according to his impressions
registered at the battlescene, was ordered by the Navy Minister, to be
presented in the United States during the Philadelphia Exposition, in 1876.
The painting was, unfortunately and accidentally destroyed in its way back
to Brazil. Unhappy about it, Vitor Meireles painted a second version in
1882/1883, that is said that the artist excelled himself.
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