Model of Part of a Covered Slip 1838 - 1840

This is a model of part of a covered slip, crafted by Rijkswerf Amsterdam. Considered in its historical context, this model offers a peek into the Dutch maritime industry. The Rijkswerf Amsterdam was a government-owned shipyard that played a crucial role in naval construction. This model encapsulates the grand scale of shipbuilding and Dutch maritime power. But look closer: the model also invites us to consider the lives of the countless laborers who toiled in these shipyards. These were the men, often from working-class backgrounds, whose labor made possible the ships that traversed oceans. The covered slip was not merely a space of construction but also a site of labor, struggle, and human endeavor. It stands as a testament to their collective effort and skill, a poignant reminder of the human cost of progress.