The Magenta class consisted of two broadside ironclads built for the French Navy (Marine nationale) in the early 1860s.

He gave the Magentas an upper spar deck which would allow them to work those guns in all weathers and caused them to be rated as ironclad ships of the line by the French Navy.

[1] During their sea trials, Solférino[3] achieved a speed of 12.88 knots (23.85 km/h; 14.82 mph) from 4,012 metric horsepower (2,951 kW).

[2] The Magenta class carried enough coal to allow them to steam for 1,840 nautical miles (3,410 km; 2,120 mi) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).

[2][3] The Magentas had a full-length waterline belt that consisted of wrought-iron plates 120 mm (4.7 in) thick.