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Image Not Available for TITANIC leaving Southmpton, maiden voyage
TITANIC leaving Southmpton, maiden voyage
Image Not Available for TITANIC leaving Southmpton, maiden voyage

TITANIC leaving Southmpton, maiden voyage

Artist
Date2001
Object number00040453
NameSculpture
MediumWood, wire, netting, metal, paper, ink
Dimensions545 x 180 x 740 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Peter Fay Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
DescriptionMatchstick sculpture by Christian den Besten of the TITANIC leaving Southampton on its maiden voyage. The vessel is part of a scene featuring the Southampton dock (00040456) and two smaller vessels (00040454 and 00040455).HistoryChristian den Besten has recreated the scene when TITANIC departs the UK on its maiden voyage in 1912. Den Besten's decision to create the liner from the flimsiest of materials (matchsticks) seems to comment on the robustness of the 'unsinkable' TITANIC. The detail on den Besten's model shows tiny cardboard lifeboats nestled against the side of the ship, while blue mesh smoke puffs from the TITANIC'S four funnels. Den Besten's matchstick TITANIC seems based on the simple ship model kits marketed to children and also reflects their deep fascination with this maritime disaster. His interpretation of one of the world's most famous passenger liners - TITANIC leaving Southhampton, maiden voyage' - fits both within the genre of model making and of contemporary art. The artist has recreated the scene when TITANIC departs the UK on its maiden voyage in 1912. Significance'TITANIC leaving Southmpton, maiden voyage' is significant as a contemporary Australian response to the enduring legend of the disaster and den Besten's decision to create the liner from the flimsiest of materials (matchsticks) comments on the robustness of the 'unsinkable' TITANIC.