Model of a Double Pair of Hydraulic Forge Bellows 1818

This model of a double pair of hydraulic forge bellows was made at Rijkswerf Rotterdam, using wood and metal. Consider the precision and care taken to make this model. Notice the wooden cylinders held together by metal bands, the intricate gears, and the smooth, flat wooden base. This is more than just a representation; it's a demonstration of skill, a scaled-down version of the real thing. The model gives an insight into the world of industrial production. It reflects the labor, politics, and consumption involved in the shipbuilding industry. Think about the labor required to produce the real bellows. The model distills the complexity of the machinery, and in doing so, emphasizes the expertise and traditions of craftmanship necessary for industrial innovation. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. It shows that technical knowledge, when combined with careful execution, can be a source of beauty in its own right.