Model of a Polacre c. 1815 - 1850

This anonymous model of a Polacre, of unknown date, is made of wood, textile, and rope. We can tell by the flags that this ship is from the Netherlands, a country whose economic and cultural power in the 17th century depended on its maritime strength. Ship models like this were often made for wealthy merchants or ship owners, and can tell us a lot about the relationship between art and commerce at this time. The Dutch Golden Age was a time of great prosperity, fueled by trade and colonialism. Ships were not just a means of transport, but also symbols of power and wealth. To understand this model better, we might look at archival sources about Dutch shipbuilding practices, and also consider the iconography of ships in Dutch paintings of the period. What did ships mean to people at the time, and how did they represent Dutch society? Looking at the art of the time allows us to understand better the cultural and institutional context that gave shape to it.