Half Model of the Stern of a 74-Gun Ship of the Line c. 1783 - 1796

This "Half Model of the Stern of a 74-Gun Ship of the Line," made of wood by an anonymous artist, is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship involved in shipbuilding. Notice how the model reduces a massive vessel to an elegant, almost abstract form. The choice of wood is crucial; it mirrors the actual material of construction, lending authenticity and a tactile quality. The process involves skilled carving, shaping, and joining, reflecting the expertise of shipwrights who translated designs into reality. The model would have served as a three-dimensional blueprint, guiding the construction of the full-sized warship. These ships represent not only technological achievement, but also wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Think of the amount of work involved in building an actual ship. By focusing on material and making, we gain insight into both the artistic and practical dimensions of this object, and we understand the connections to the industrial history that it implies.