Model of a Timber Wagon 1797 - 1801

This model of a timber wagon was made by 's Lands Werf Amsterdam, and its careful construction immediately draws the eye. Notice how the roundness of the wheels and axles contrasts with the straight lines of the chassis. The wood is varnished, lending it a simple sheen and drawing attention to the grain. The model’s careful construction invites us to consider the nature of design and the purpose of a model. This timber wagon stands as a smaller representation of a functional vehicle. The precision in its details, such as the cogs and chassis demonstrates an appreciation for the structure and purpose of the original object. The model encapsulates the broader cultural values of utility, and progress. The wagon becomes a signifier of functionality and purpose.