Description:
The Batavia ship model is an exquisite recreation of the renowned Dutch East Indiaman, famous for its dramatic wreck on its maiden voyage in 1629. At an impressive length of 59.1" (120 cm), this model is perfectly suited as a statement piece for expansive spaces.
Crafted primarily from red cedar wood, known for its natural resistance to decay, termites, and warping, the model ensures durability and longevity even under harsh weather conditions typical of regions like North America. Additionally, it incorporates mahogany, teak, and various exotic hardwoods, enhancing the model's robustness and aesthetic appeal. The wood’s subtle aromatic quality also enhances the ambiance of any room, lending a touch of relaxation and sophistication. The hull is meticulously painted with four layers of high-quality paint in deep green and white, designed to protect against fading and maintain its vibrant appearance over time.
The sails are crafted from high-quality linen, giving them a realistic and sturdy appearance, while the flags are also made from fabric, maintaining historical accuracy and attention to detail. Metal components, including the nameplate and ornamental trimmings, are made from corrosion-resistant metal, adding to the model’s elegance.
With its extensive rigging and multiple masts, this XXL Batavia ship model captures the architectural complexity of 17th-century naval design. It is ideal for display in venues such as museums, large hotel lobbies, upscale restaurants, or spacious home living areas, where it can be admired for its craftsmanship and historical significance. This model is not only a collector’s item but also an impressive addition to any decor, inviting viewers to delve into a rich maritime history.
History:
Batavia was a ship of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), built in Amsterdam in 1628. This vessel was constructed as the flagship for one of the company's fleets, designed to travel from the Netherlands to the Dutch East Indies. The Batavia was notable for its sturdy design typical of VOC ships of the period, featuring a double hull planked with oak and sheathed with pine to protect against shipworms. The ship was 45.3 meters in length, had a beam of 10.19 meters, and a hold depth of 5.45 meters, equipped with multiple cannons for defense.
Maiden Voyage and Wreck
On its maiden voyage on October 29, 1628, under the command of Francisco Pelsaert, Batavia embarked from Texel to Batavia (now Jakarta). On June 4, 1629, the ship tragically wrecked on Morning Reef in the Wallabi Group of the Houtman Abrolhos off the coast of Western Australia. Most of the 341 people aboard survived the initial wreck and made it to nearby islands.
Mutiny and Massacre
After the wreck, Pelsaert went to seek help, leaving Jeronimus Cornelisz in charge, who had secretly planned a mutiny. In the chaos that followed, Cornelisz and his followers killed approximately 125 survivors in a brutal series of events, and a small group of women were taken as sex slaves. The mutineers were later confronted and overpowered by a group of soldiers led by Wiebbe Hayes, who had survived on another island.
Rescue and Aftermath
Pelsaert returned with a rescue ship, which led to the arrest and subsequent trial of the mutineers. Cornelisz and several others were executed on the islands, while two were marooned on mainland Australia. The Batavia wreck has become a significant archaeological site, with many artifacts preserved at the Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum.
Legacy
Today, the story of the Batavia is remembered as one of the most horrifying in maritime history and is the subject of numerous books, films, and exhibits. A full-scale replica of the Batavia can be visited in Lelystad, Netherlands, serving as a museum ship to educate the public about 17th-century Dutch maritime history.
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