Model of a Jolly Boat c. 1819

This is a wooden scale model of a jolly boat, made by Rijkswerf Rotterdam, a Dutch shipyard. Shipyards like Rijkswerf Rotterdam were powerful institutions, employing thousands and shaping the economic and social fabric of their communities. This model offers a glimpse into the world of shipbuilding, a vital industry for a maritime nation like the Netherlands. Consider the cultural significance of boats themselves – symbols of exploration, trade, and military power. The level of detail in this model suggests it was likely used for instructional purposes or as a demonstration piece. What values does it express? Does it celebrate technological innovation? The nation’s colonial power? Or simply the skill of the craftsman? To fully understand this model, we’d need to delve into the archives of Rijkswerf Rotterdam and explore the social and political context of the time. The history of art is never separate from the history of institutions and the societies that support them.