Voorsteven en boegbeeld van een fregat 1798 - 1799

Joseph Coiny created this print of a frigate's prow in the early 19th century. The monochromatic palette and fine lines give the image a classical formality. The composition is dominated by the ship’s prow, elaborately adorned with sculptural elements. The figurehead, a seated female figure accompanied by a cherubic figure, draws our attention to the aesthetic and symbolic functions of naval ornamentation. The detailed rendering invites us to examine how such elements contribute to the ship’s identity. Through a semiotic lens, the visual codes of classical sculpture, combined with naval architecture, evoke ideas of power, beauty, and maritime prowess. The frigate, a symbol of national strength, is also imbued with artistic and cultural values. Note how the artist has meticulously captured the textural differences between the smooth wooden planks and the ornate carvings. This interplay of form and detail invites ongoing interpretation of naval symbolism and artistic representation.