Model of a 24-Pounder Breech-Loading Gun 1863

Petrus van der Loo crafted this model gun from blackened iron, brass and wood. It may seem a departure from traditional art materials, yet the interplay of these materials speaks volumes about the shifting landscape of 19th-century industry and warfare. The gun's blackened iron barrel, gleaming brass fittings, and polished wooden base each contribute to its complex aesthetic. The contrast between these elements highlights the industrial might of the era. Consider the labor involved: the iron casting, brass detailing, and woodworking. Skilled artisans poured their expertise into shaping these materials, but their labor was ultimately channeled toward the production of weaponry. This brings to mind the question of the social implications inherent in the making of tools of war. This model forces us to consider how the aesthetics of craft can be entangled with the realities of labor, politics, and consumption, blurring the lines between art and industry, creation and destruction.