Half Model of a 16-Gun Brig c. 1795 - 1796

This half model of a 16-Gun Brig, crafted anonymously from wood, presents a compelling study in form and function. Mounted on a rectangular wooden board, the model offers a stark, bisected view of naval architecture. The contrast between the dark hull and the white, grid-like underbelly immediately draws the eye, creating a visual tension that is both striking and informative. The very structure of the model, being a half representation, challenges our perception of completeness, prompting a mental reconstruction of the whole. This incompleteness invites an exploration of the ship's design, where each line and curve is purposeful, contributing to the vessel's hydrodynamics and stability. Consider how the linear precision of the grid contrasts with the organic curves of the hull. This interplay highlights the blend of mathematical precision and practical craftsmanship inherent in shipbuilding. The model serves not only as a representation but as a structural diagram, revealing the underlying principles of naval engineering. It is a functional aesthetic object.