Half Model of a Paddle Steamer c. 1846 - 1848

This half model of a paddle steamer was likely made at Rijkswerf Rotterdam, though its exact date is unknown. It is constructed from wood, and the model’s smooth, dark surface shows evidence of careful carving and finishing, skills honed over time. These half models were typically made by shipwrights and designers as a tool for visualizing and refining hull designs. In a shipyard like Rijkswerf Rotterdam, model-making was a bridge between design and industrial production. It allowed naval architects to test their ideas in a tangible way. But the model also has cultural significance. The precise craftsmanship reflects a time when shipbuilding was not just an industry, but also a source of national pride. The amount of work involved highlights the skilled labor that went into creating these vessels. The half model is a testament to the integration of design, craft, and industry, underscoring how material and making processes are essential to understanding a work of art.