Model of a Lifeboat 1819

This "Model of a Lifeboat" was crafted by Rijkswerf Rotterdam. Its meticulous wooden construction and diminutive scale evoke a sense of precision and care, typical of model-making practices. The pale, uniform color emphasizes the craftsmanship and purity of form, inviting a close examination of its structure. The model rests statically, yet the object implies movement through water. The linear arrangement of oars, both in the boat and on the floor, creates horizontal emphasis, further enhanced by the verticality of the mast, which intersect to create a grid-like structure. The lifeboat itself is a signifier. As an object, it is designed for the safety of others, but as a model, it lacks this function, highlighting the paradox of representation. The model is not just a static representation but an articulation of the relationship between functionality and form. This relationship exists beyond the aesthetic appreciation, instead asking us to consider what it represents in the grander scheme.