Model of a 10-Gun Transport 1832

Petrus van der Loo created this model of a 10-Gun Transport, with wood, copper, and metal in the nineteenth century. Ship models like this weren't just decorative; they were potent symbols of Dutch maritime power and the nation's extensive trade networks. In the 1800s, the Netherlands was a major player in global commerce, and ships were the lifeblood of this economic dominance. Looking closely, one can imagine the social hierarchy on board, the hard labor of the sailors, and the goods being transported. This model, therefore, speaks to broader themes of Dutch identity, its economic engine, and the social structures that supported it. Studying historical records, maritime archives, and even literature from the period helps us understand the complex relationship between the Dutch and the sea. This model serves as a reminder that art is always intertwined with the social and institutional contexts in which it’s created.