Half Model of an 80-Gun Ship of the Line c. 1797

This is an anonymous half model of an 80-Gun Ship of the Line made from wood. These models served as a tangible representation of naval power, but also as a symbol of global trade networks that were dependent on free and uncompensated labor. Consider how maritime power was often achieved through exploiting both natural resources and human labor. The structure of the ship here also tells of the social hierarchies embedded in maritime culture. These ships transported goods, but also ideas about race and labor, shaping social structures that still resonate today. While the model might initially evoke a sense of maritime adventure, it also invites reflection on the costs of exploration and conquest. It represents a tangible, emotional connection to the past. The artist's anonymity further underscores the collective nature of this history, reminding us that it's a shared, complex legacy.