In the words of professional marine model artist Rob Napier , “a good ship model must give a compelling impression of the actual vessel.”
Although a subjective perception, experience and study of the three-dimensional elements of accurate models develops a strong impression of authentic naval architecture. Models speak a technical language – much like the written alphabet – based on scrupulous research. Nathaniel Herreshoff once said, “A poorly made ship model is nothing but a lie that deceives the eye.”
A good ship model is skillfully crafted with suitable materials and constructed according to authentic maritime research and /or plans. The typical ship model from the Great Age of Sail (18 th & 19 th centuries) has four primary characteristics, all of which need to be consistent in craftsmanship quality: hull construction, paint work or finishing, metal smithing and rigging . As these characteristics are surveyed and interact, the model should provide the required “compelling impression of the actual ship.”
From an aesthetic standpoint, a finely crafted and artistically presented ship model, like a fine painting, has a convincing presence or “aura.”