Model of an Officers' Launch 1835

This is a model of an officer's launch crafted by Rijkswerf Vlissingen, though the precise date remains unknown. Consider the historical backdrop against which this model was created: naval power and maritime trade were central to global politics, a domain dominated by men. The officer’s launch, in that world, symbolizes power, exploration, and control. Who were these officers? What social classes did they come from? How did their identities shape their experiences on these vessels? What impact did they have on the world? The presence of such a model invites us to reflect on the stories of maritime history, the lives of sailors, and the complexities of naval hierarchy. It's not just about ships and sailing; it's about the human experiences, ambitions, and sometimes, the exploitation that propelled these journeys. This model is a reminder of our connected, and troubled, global past.