Half Model of a Gunboat c. 1792

This wooden half model of a gunboat is on display here at the Rijksmuseum. Consider how the ship, from antiquity to modernity, embodies a profound symbol of transition, adventure, and peril. Look closely at the hull, the core of the vessel, its form echoing the womb—a protective vessel carrying life across the waters. This recalls the ancient myth of the barque of the sun, where gods traverse the sky in a solar boat, a journey fraught with cosmic battles. The ship, laden with cultural significance, appears not only as a means of transport but as a microcosm of society, mirroring humanity's collective fears and aspirations. The vessel becomes a symbol of our own life's journey, evoking primal, subconscious longings for exploration and the unknown. Its mere presence triggers a deep psychological response, resonating with the human quest for meaning.