Model of a Lighthouse 1875

This model lighthouse was made by J.L. Nering Bögel & Co. It is a symbol of human ingenuity, safety and guidance. But it also silently speaks of trade and the growth of colonial power. Models like these were often commissioned to commemorate engineering achievements and mark an era of industrial expansion. They also reflect a growing interest in science and technology. Consider the cultural context in which it was made – what geographical imperatives might have shaped its design? What economic activity made the lighthouse so important? These are the kinds of questions that help historians interpret this artwork. We might look at archival records, engineering drawings, and trade statistics to get a fuller picture. This would allow us to understand the lighthouse not just as a feat of engineering, but as a symbol of its time.