Fregatten Jylland
Handmade model of the Frigate Jylland
John Curtin built this model of the Danish warship Jylland from scratch using plank-on-frame construction for the hull. In order to preserve the accuracy of the model, the rigging was hand-tied. This is no easy task – it took three years to complete this model, two of which were dedicated to preparing and tying the rigging. Curtin decorated the ship with cargo and stern paintings that closely match the real ship.
The Frigate Jylland was a Danish warship, now turned museum, that was active in the transition period between sail and steam power. The sails were still the primary propulsion for the ship, but the addition of a propeller by the rudder gave it unmatched speed and maneuverability. The ship could reach a top speed of 14 knots, making it the fastest Danish ship of the time.
It saw active combat during the second Danish-Prussian war in 1864 
and won one of the only battles with a Danish victory.
Fregatten Jylland
USA
1982
Wood, Metal, String
Gift of John Curtin
2021.016.001
Votive Ship
This model ship was brought from Denmark to the U.S. to hang in St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois. The model ship was donated to the church as a thank you to God after the donor had overcome sickness. Votive Ships are a Danish tradition; the ship symbolizes the church, the congregation as the sailors, and Jesus as the helmsman, navigating people through life.
