19th-century French Four-masted Sailing Ship Maritime Diorama Model

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19th-century French Four-masted Sailing Ship Maritime Diorama Model

Antique maritime diorama depicting a large four-masted barque, displayed under glass in a wooden display case. A 19th-century maritime folk art object.

It is a four-masted barque sailing at full sail under the French flag, with three masts carrying square sails (six tiers of sails per mast), a mizzenmast at the stern equipped with gaff sails, and three jibs at the bow on the bowsprit.

The ship is carved in half-volume (half-hull) and attached directly to the painted back of the box, a traditional technique that creates an illusion of depth and movement.

This model is in generally good condition, though it shows signs of wear and damage consistent with its age. It may have been made as a maritime votive offering or as a memento from a sailor’s own ship.

Please note: one slat of the display frame is loose and will need to be reattached; there are cracks and fissures on the painted back of the box, as well as dirt and wear from age—please examine the photos carefully.

Dimensions