Model van een schipdeur c. 1802 - 1804

Here we see a wooden model of a ship's door, crafted by an anonymous artist. The ship door, or port, evokes a period of maritime exploration and trade, but it also hints at the complex and often brutal histories of colonialism, slavery, and cultural exchange. The craftsmanship involved in this model speaks to the skill and labor of the artisans, even as their names remain unknown to us. This anonymity challenges us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the creation and ownership of art, and the erasure of certain voices and histories. As you look at the model, consider the countless untold stories of those who crossed oceans – some willingly, others forced – and the profound impact of their journeys on shaping our world. What hidden narratives does this ship door hold?