Half Model of a Screw Steamer c. 1887

This half model of a screw steamer was made by an anonymous artist, out of wood. These models were often commissioned by shipbuilders to showcase their designs to potential clients. The wood’s smooth, polished surface speaks to both skilled craftsmanship and industrial precision. The model is essentially a three-dimensional drawing, a record of technical specifications rendered in miniature, and a tool for visualizing the real ship's hydrodynamic properties. The dark wooden panel contrasts elegantly with the light, streamline painted hull. It gives a sense of depth and sophistication. Consider the labor involved: the meticulous carving, the precise joinery, the careful painting. These traditional skills, applied to the representation of a cutting-edge technology, remind us that even in the age of industry, human hands still shaped our world. Recognizing the role of making in objects like this allows us to see the artistry inherent in industrial production, challenging the boundaries of fine art and craft.