Model Brig c. 1937

William Kerby’s ‘Model Brig’ presents us with a detailed ship model, meticulously rendered with great attention to its structural elements. The composition is striking with the linear rigging against the vessel’s solid form, inviting a contrast between complexity and stability. Kerby’s choice to depict the brig without a background allows us to focus entirely on the object itself. The ship’s form becomes a sign, representing not just a vessel but also the broader themes of exploration, commerce and naval power. There is a deliberate tension between the artwork’s formal precision and its representational content. It leaves us pondering how the artist’s choices challenge conventional categories of representation. The model transcends its mere form, opening up a space for continuous dialogue and renewed appreciation.