Half Model of a 3-Gun Schooner c. 1800

This "Half Model of a 3-Gun Schooner" is a wooden ship model mounted on a board, meticulously crafted by an anonymous artist. The model strikes a balance between representation and abstraction. The sleek lines of the hull are set against the structured arrangement of the ribs, creating a visual tension that holds the eye. The colour palette, dominated by the natural wood tones, emphasizes the materiality of the object. The semiotic interplay between the detailed upper structure and the exposed framework introduces a conceptual depth to the work. This juxtaposition challenges our understanding of the ship. It raises questions about surface versus structure and challenges us to consider the relationship between internal mechanics and external appearance. The model becomes a site where we interpret not only the object itself, but also the ideas that have shaped its creation.