Model of a Buoy 1873

This model of a buoy, crafted by 's Rijks Algemeen Betonningsmagazijn, features a striking, torpedo-like shape, built from wood and reinforced with metal bands. The object's form, reminiscent of a womb or seed, speaks to themes of protection and guidance across treacherous waters. This is not unlike the ancient mariners who painted eyes on their ships, seeking divine protection. The eye motif, a symbol of vigilance, reappears throughout history—from the Eye of Providence to the protective eyes on ancient Greek vessels. The metal bands serve a practical purpose, yet they also evoke images of binding and security, mirroring the psychological need for containment and control. Such a form, floating amidst the vastness of the sea, taps into our collective anxieties about the unknown depths and the need for safe passage. It reminds us that even the most functional objects can carry profound symbolic weight, bridging the gap between the practical and the primal.