Model of a Section of an Armoured Turret 1864

This is a model of a section of an armoured turret made by Rijkswerf Vlissingen. This detailed wooden model provides insight into the complex engineering of naval warfare technology. Without a creation and display like this, everyday citizens would never have any access to the inner workings of their naval power. Made during a period of intense military development, it reflects the Dutch investment in naval capabilities and their colonial ambitions. The choice to create this model suggests a desire to showcase technical prowess and maintain public confidence in military spending. As a historian, understanding such an object requires looking at shipyard records, naval archives, and public opinion at the time. This helps us reveal how art and technology intersect with the social and political landscape of their time.