Model of a Mainmast with Metal Futtock Chains 1846 - 1847

This is a model of a mainmast with metal futtock chains, made by Rijkswerf Amsterdam. The Rijkswerf was the state shipyard of the Dutch Navy. This model connects to the wider social and cultural context of the Netherlands as a powerful maritime nation. The image creates meaning through its detailed depiction of nautical technology. The country in which it was made had a strong maritime culture that influenced the artwork. Specific features of that culture, such as its economic structures, relied on shipping and naval power. The Rijkswerf Amsterdam itself is relevant institutional history, as it was a state-run enterprise dedicated to building and maintaining the Dutch fleet. This model would have served as a means of instruction and standardization. Understanding this piece better involves researching the history of Dutch naval power and the role of institutions like the Rijkswerf in shaping it. The meaning of this art is contingent on its social and institutional context.