As mentioned in my initial post I went to visit the museum primarily to view the k.u.k. Marine exhibits. I had read about the battle of Lissa in 1866 & was very interested in viewing the paintings depicting the battle.
Lissa was the only Ironclad fleet action of the 19th century & took place between Austria & Italy. It was the first & only use of the ram to affect a successful sinking in that timeframe.
Note the mix of wood/sail rigged & ironclad ships.
This painting depicts the climax of the Battle of Lissa on 20 July 1866. The Austrian Flagship "Erzherzog Ferdinand Max" has rammed the Italian Armoured Frigate "Re d'Italia" causing her to sink.
The Commander of the Austrian Fleet, Rear Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff achieved an unexpected victory during this major engagement of the Ironclad era.
