The Clipper Ship Laomene under Full Sail 1883

Editor: Here we have Antonio Jacobsen's oil painting "The Clipper Ship Laomene under Full Sail," created in 1883. It feels almost romantic, a bit idealized perhaps? What social narratives were being shaped or challenged by art like this back then? Curator: Well, on the surface, these paintings seem to celebrate maritime achievement, right? But let's consider what 'maritime achievement' really meant in 1883. These ships were arteries of global trade, connecting empires, moving goods and... people. Who benefited, and at what cost? What about the exploitation of labor involved in building and sailing these vessels? How did colonialism affect trade? What's not being shown? Editor: So, it's not just about a beautiful ship, it's about the system it represents? I guess I didn't consider who exactly *wasn't* in the picture, literally and figuratively. Curator: Exactly. Consider the romanticism itself – isn't that a way to gloss over some harsh realities? Were these images tools to promote trade? To encourage certain populations to consider these voyages for employment? What would this image convey if this were from the point of view of an oppressed person affected by globalism? By questioning what’s absent, we challenge the narratives being presented. Editor: I never thought about maritime art having that political dimension. Curator: Maritime art is about the movement of people, commodities, capital, and the cultural exchanges in colonial times. Think about what that says about national identity at the time and even now! The lack of diverse perspective helps maintain power. How does it make you feel looking at it now? Editor: It feels a lot more complicated than it did a few minutes ago. It shows how important it is to really dig deeper into any artwork. I thought ships were just…ships. Curator: And now hopefully you'll see them as vessels loaded with complex histories. Now you can begin to truly study and assess this painting!