Model of a 44-Gun Frigate 1836 - 1842

Editor: Here we have Willem van Tongerloo’s “Model of a 44-Gun Frigate,” crafted between 1836 and 1842 from wood. It's incredible, the sheer level of detail in this miniature ship! What is it about this work that draws your attention? Curator: Well, looking at this frigate model, I immediately consider the labor involved. Each piece of wood was likely shaped by hand, reflecting skilled craftsmanship but also repetitive labor. It speaks to the broader socio-economic conditions of shipbuilding at the time, and also considers what kind of access everyday people had to sailing, which for the most part would be reserved for trading and labor related purposes. Editor: That's fascinating. It hadn’t occurred to me to think about it that way. So, it's less about the ship as a symbol of power and more about the process and materials behind its construction? Curator: Precisely. Think about the origin of the wood itself – where was it sourced? What impact did its acquisition have on the environment and indigenous populations, if any? The model isn't just a representation; it's an artifact of production and extraction. Consider that without the process of extraction, working the wood into a shape, transport of these goods would be very difficult. Editor: It reframes the whole idea of naval power and trade routes. It becomes this very grounded narrative of resource management and the labor conditions. It really highlights what power requires, and it reveals a lot more of the story. Curator: Indeed. It's a shift from celebrating grand narratives of exploration to understanding the material and human costs embedded in such endeavors. This piece invites us to contemplate art as both craft and document. Editor: It’s made me rethink the stories these objects carry beyond the surface. Thanks for sharing your insights!