Model of a Lathe and Drilling Machine by Anonymous

Model of a Lathe and Drilling Machine c. 1797

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anonymous

mixed-media, sculpture, wood

architectural and planning render

mixed-media

architectural modelling rendering

shading render

virtual 3d design

architecture mock-up

sculpture

architecture model

wood

cut-out

mechanical engineering model

architecture render

product render

Dimensions model height 52.5 cm, model width 53.8 cm, model depth 38 cm, packaging capsule height 56.5 cm, packaging capsule width 56.5 cm, packaging capsule depth 41.5 cm

This intriguing model of a lathe and drilling machine was crafted anonymously, and its date remains unknown. It's primarily made of wood, assembled with the kind of care and attention to detail usually associated with skilled cabinetry. But instead of furniture, we have a miniature industrial scene. The components are meticulously rendered: the lathe itself, a drilling mechanism, even what appears to be a small chair for the operator. What's fascinating is the way this model invites us to consider the relationship between craft and industrial production. The model-maker clearly had a deep understanding of the machinery, and the labor involved in operating it. Is this a celebration of industrial progress, or a lament for the loss of handcraftsmanship? Either way, it blurs the lines between art, craft, and the world of work, challenging our traditional notions of what each category means.