Ship Flag 1865

This ship flag, made by an anonymous hand, is composed of horizontal bands of red, tan, and grey fabric, with an iron cross emblem. The flag’s large size indicates its function for maritime communication, but the materials and construction also speak to broader themes of labor and global exchange. Fabric, unlike painting or stone, implies an entire industry behind its production. The cultivation of raw materials, the spinning of thread, the dyeing, and the weaving – all of these steps involve human labor, often under harsh conditions. Look closely, and you can almost feel the presence of the many hands that contributed to its making. The flag’s design, too, with its simple geometry, suggests a connection to both naval tradition and early industrial production. The cross, a symbol of power and faith, is here rendered in a utilitarian style, reflecting a shift towards more pragmatic concerns. By focusing on the flag's materiality and construction, we gain a deeper understanding of its place within a network of trade, labor, and cultural exchange. It invites us to see beyond its surface appearance and to consider the human stories embedded within its threads.