Half model of an Admiralty of Amsterdam war frigate c. 1740

This half-model of an Amsterdam war frigate was crafted by Charles Bentam, using wood, metal, and paint. The materiality of the model speaks to the broader context of maritime power and trade. Notice how the wooden hull is carefully shaped, a testament to both the skill of the model maker and the shipbuilding traditions of the time. The weight and density of the wood convey the sense of a vessel designed for both transportation and naval force. The dark, sleek paint job, combined with touches of metal, emphasizes its capacity for both function and warfare. Making this model involved a highly skilled process, demonstrating an understanding of shipbuilding techniques and naval architecture. This wasn't just an artistic endeavor; it was a representation of Dutch maritime dominance, a testament to the labor, resources, and technological prowess of the time. Thinking about how this model was made – the materials used, the processes involved – sheds light on the broader social and cultural significance of shipbuilding and trade in Amsterdam. It challenges our conventional notions of fine art, showing us how craft and design were deeply intertwined with power, politics, and commerce.