Model of a Ladder c. 1850

This ladder was carefully crafted by Petrus van der Loo, most likely in the Netherlands, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Its visual simplicity belies the skill involved in its making. The ladder is constructed from wood, a readily available and versatile material. Its strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for this purpose, though the maker would need to select the right type of wood, and ensure that it was properly seasoned and prepared. Note the joinery: each rung carefully fitted and secured to the stiles. Also notice the metal supports, adding stability where the two sections meet. It may seem surprising to call this a work of art. Ladders are useful objects, of course, but they are also deeply symbolic. They help us to reach higher, to improve our lives, to literally rise above our present condition. The care that has gone into this example elevates it beyond mere utility, suggesting that even the most ordinary things can be infused with meaning through the act of making.