Model of the merchantman De Witte Oliphant
anonymous
This model has a broad hull and unusually tall masts for a merchantman. These features, plus the decoration of African men on either corner of the stern, strongly suggest that this is a slave ship. Models of slave ships are exceptionally rare. It is not known how this model came to be in the Department of the Navy’s collection.
1755
Wood, brass, iron, glass, rope and paint
205.0 x 77.5cm
NG-MC-1210
Image and text courtesy of Rijksmuseum, 2019
Where you'll find this
Rijksmuseum
Permanent collection