Model van een bronzen kanon 1649

This model cannon was crafted in bronze by Cornelis Ouderogge in the 17th century. It's a scaled-down version of the formidable artillery pieces that were reshaping warfare during the period. The bronze casting process would have been complex, involving meticulous mold-making and the careful pouring of molten metal. Bronze was a high-status material. Its strength made cannons like this effective instruments of war, while its capacity to be ornamented added an element of prestige. The decorations cast into the surface of the cannon not only demonstrated skilled labor, but also celebrated the power of the patron who commissioned it. Consider the sheer labor involved in extracting, smelting, and casting the bronze, and then constructing the wooden carriage. This brings into focus the industrial activity that fueled the military expansion of the era. By examining this model cannon, we gain insight into the technologies that shaped early modern Europe. It also makes us think about the relationship between artistry, industry, and power.