Model of the Stern of a Steam Battery 1863

This is a model of the stern of a steam battery, made of wood and metal by Rijkswerf Vlissingen. As a section, this model allows us to appreciate the labor and materials involved in shipbuilding, which normally remain hidden. Notice the wooden hull, reinforced by metal rods—a testament to the combined skill of carpenters, metalworkers, and engineers. The model doesn't shy away from exposing the ship's inner structure. This reveals a commitment to the realities of construction over aesthetic embellishment. It presents naval engineering as a rational, systematic endeavor. Such models were vital tools for visualizing and refining complex designs. It also served to train workers, and impress potential clients of the shipyard. The model prompts us to consider shipbuilding as a process involving skilled labor. The piece's purpose transcends mere decoration, emphasizing functionality and the immense amount of human work necessary for the construction of these majestic steam batteries.