Half Model of a 6-Gun Brig c. 1796 - 1797

This half model of a 6-Gun Brig was crafted by an anonymous artist. It offers a glimpse into the complex history of maritime power and identity. During the era of naval expansion, ships like this one were not only technological marvels but also potent symbols of national ambition and colonial reach. The sleek lines and formidable armament of the brig represented a nation's capacity to project power across vast oceans, impacting trade, warfare, and cultural exchange. It’s impossible to ignore how ships such as this one are also deeply entwined with the history of slavery, colonialism, and exploitation. They were essential to the transatlantic slave trade. Consider the countless untold stories of those who were transported against their will, and how they shape our understanding of global history. Reflecting on this model, we might consider how objects carry both a legacy of ingenuity and a burden of historical responsibility, and what this means for how we navigate our present.