ABSTRACT
This chapter explores early modern European warship design and decoration and relate it to wider political, cultural, and international trends. It focuses on state flagships and other prominent warships within European fleets, although where relevant, small and medium craft. Smaller vessels were most likely to be selected for sea patrols and other forms of service because they cost less to operate and maintain, but the largest warships in the fleet continued to hold power, even when sitting in dock, by representing the Crown and state. Along with the various motifs of beasts, sea creatures, and gods that referred to stories from antiquity and celebrated the current monarch, Vasa’s figurehead also made a clear and direct political statement. The hasty launch of Vasa was necessary because it was a representation of the Crown at a time when the kingdom’s military forces were being tested.
