Model of a Rudder with a Rapson Slide 1845

This is a wooden model of a rudder with a Rapson slide, made by Rijkswerf Vlissingen. The object is made from smooth, light-colored wood, carefully cut and assembled to demonstrate the mechanics of a ship's steering system. The choice of wood as a material is interesting, as it connects to the traditional shipbuilding practices and the labor involved in shaping the material. You can see the precision required to create the interlocking parts, each playing a role in the rudder's functionality. Shipbuilding is deeply tied to social and economic forces, providing livelihoods for countless workers, and models like this one play a crucial role in communicating how such complex systems function. By focusing on the making process and the materials used, we can appreciate the skill and labor involved in the production of this object. It's a reminder that even technical objects have a strong connection to craft traditions.