Half Model of a Ram Monitor c. 1867 - 1869

This half model of a ram monitor was created by Rijkswerf Amsterdam, its stark design speaks to us of a singular purpose: naval power. The ram, a weapon dating back to antiquity, embodies primal aggression. Consider the evolution of this motif. In ancient Greece, triremes, warships adorned with bronze rams, dominated the seas, their bows crashing into enemy vessels. The ram symbolized martial prowess, an instrument of decisive force. This symbol resurfaces in the nineteenth century with the advent of ironclad warships. These modern behemoths, like this monitor, once again brandished the ram as a primary weapon. But here, the meaning shifts; It's a symbol of technological advancement and industrial might. The image of the ram, whether on an ancient galley or an ironclad warship, evokes the atavistic human impulse to dominate and conquer. This vessel reminds us that even in the age of industry, primal instincts lie beneath the surface, driving our creations, and shaping our world.