sculpture, wood, architecture
sculpture
sculpture
architecture model
wood
architecture
statue
Dimensions height 78 cm, length 273 cm, width 70 cm, weight 141 kg
This is a model of the 84-gun ship of the line Neptunus made by Rijkswerf Rotterdam. The pale wood, with its visible grain, gives the model a tactile quality, while the intricate detailing speaks to the skill of its makers. Look closely at how the horizontal lines of the ship’s decks and gunports are countered by the vertical masts. This interplay creates a grid-like structure, almost as if the ship has been conceived as a series of modular units. The regularity of these forms conveys a sense of order and control, reflecting the complex hierarchies of naval power. But note, too, how the gentle curve of the hull and bow disrupts this rigid structure. This subtle bending introduces an element of organic form, reminding us that the ship is not just a machine, but a vessel designed to navigate the unpredictable forces of nature. This tension between order and chaos is central to understanding the aesthetic and cultural significance of such a model.
Comments
This exceptionally detailed model shows both the exterior and interior of the ship of the line Neptunus. The Neptunus was the last three-decker in the Royal Netherlands Navy and saw service from 1835. The model was made during this period. Nine years later, in 1844, the ship’s name was changed to the Koning der Nederlanden. In 1858 it was converted into a floating battery with 32 pieces of artillery and once more named the Neptunus.
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