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The Age of Sail

The golden age of sailing ships in the 18th century is one of the best-represented periods in the museum's collections.

  • Model of the barque Henrik Ibsen. The original was built in Bergen in 1878.
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    Modell av bark Henrik Ibsen. Originalen bygget i Bergen i 1878. Foto: Silje Katrine Robinson / Stiftelsen Museum Vest.

In addition to models and pictures of the most common types of sailing ships, there are numerous artifacts that illuminate the lives and work of seafarers on board. For many young people, it was natural to choose the sea and the sailing ship as a workplace. Rope work, scrimshaw, drawing, and painting were widespread among seamen at that time. Many such sailor-made works are exhibited in the museum's collections.