18-cm Shell by Royal Laboratory

18-cm Shell 1866

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metal, found-object, bronze, sculpture

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metal

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found-object

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bronze

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geometric

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sculpture

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history-painting

Dimensions: length 51 cm, diameter 17.6 cm, weight 50.2 kg

Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain

This 18-cm Shell was made by the Royal Laboratory. Though we lack specifics, understanding the Royal Laboratory as a site of production allows insight into historical context. It reflects an era where technological advancement was deeply entwined with military power. Consider what it means to create an object, not for building, but solely for destruction. Think about the collective effort involved in manufacturing this shell, and how it impacted the identities of those involved. Did their labor provide them with a sense of purpose, or cause them to feel disconnected from humanity? The shell stands as a testament to human ingenuity and destruction. What emotional and psychological toll did such a weapon extract during the conflicts in which it was deployed? It is a reminder of the complex relationship between human innovation, moral responsibility, and the far-reaching consequences of conflict.

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