Half Model of a Paddle Steamer c. 1874 - 1877

This half model of a paddle steamer, crafted anonymously, presents us with the symbolic form of the ship, laden with historical and cultural significance. Since ancient times, the ship has represented the journey of life, the voyage into the unknown, and the crossing of boundaries between worlds. Consider the Egyptian funerary boats meant to carry the deceased into the afterlife, or the Viking longships transporting warriors to Valhalla. Our steamer continues this tradition. The ship encapsulates human desire for exploration and progress. It embodies the striving to overcome natural barriers, connecting distant shores and cultures. The name inscribed upon it, now partially obscured, hints at a specific vessel, yet it simultaneously evokes the collective memory of maritime adventures and the inherent human drive to navigate the seas of existence. This primal urge taps into a deep, subconscious level, resonating with our ancestors' dreams and fears associated with the vast, unpredictable ocean.