Half Model of a 12-Gun Brig c. 1828

Editor: Here we have an interesting object: a “Half Model of a 12-Gun Brig,” a wooden carving from about 1828. The craftsmanship is obvious, but it also feels quite austere. How do you interpret this piece, considering its historical context? Curator: It's easy to admire the technical skill, but let's push beyond that. A half-model like this served a very specific purpose in naval design. It embodies both power and trade. But I wonder how often we really unpack that history? Editor: Unpack how? Curator: The early 19th century was a period of intense colonial expansion. Naval power played a critical role in enabling that expansion, wasn't it? This wasn't simply about shipbuilding. What do you think it represented? Editor: The ship enabled domination, of course, exploitation of resources, and the subjugation of indigenous populations, not to mention its significance in the transatlantic slave trade. Seeing the ship as a vector of these events gives a real edge to the model. I hadn't quite made the connection. Curator: Exactly! By recognizing these structures, this wooden sculpture becomes an eloquent expression of maritime networks of capital. Understanding its function helps us see this piece in the context of broader historical and social narratives of exploitation, power, and inequality. Editor: So, seeing it now, this half-model ship feels less like a historical artifact and more like a stark reminder of a complex and often brutal past. Thank you! Curator: Indeed. Examining through these intersectional lenses allows us to engage critically with both the beauty and the difficult truths embedded within this art.