rom construction models to hobby pieces: A genealogy of Portuguese naval miniatures from the XVII century to the beginning of the XX

Abstract

This study aims to understand the meanings and uses of Portuguese naval miniatures from the 17th century to the beginning of the 20th one. By mapping these artifacts, this study seeks to show the three main categories of the period: construction models, teaching instruments, and hobby objects. Despite their physical similarity, modern naval miniatures constitute a diversity of object categories that reflect the rationalization of naval construction, the importance of using miniatures in the practical and civic instruction of sailors, and the diffusion of naval icons in general culture. Based on the Portuguese experience, this study analyzes how ship models emerged in the 17th century associated with a new perspective of naval construction in which the scale miniature of a real vessel emerged as a modern construction technique. It then investigates the formation of didactic collections of instruments for technical instruction and civic education for officers and marine guards in 19th-century naval schools and museums. Finally, it examines the birth of the private collection, which shows the popularization of naval miniatures as hobby pieces.