La Sultane

Toulon

32-gun frigate (1765-1793)

This unusually large-scale replica is a shipyard model. It was used as a teaching aid, for the instruction of future sailors in the shipyard. It also served to preserve the memory of forms in an era when plans were yet to be standardised.

A shipyard model

Large-scale wooden sailing ship model The ship has three masts and multiple sails made of beige fabric Enlarge image : Large-scale wooden sailing ship model The ship has three masts and multiple sails made of beige fabric
Bow of the Frigate La Sultane © Musée national de la Marine / Romain Osi

This fine period model bears two groups of rollers with horizontal axes on its starboard side, intended to simulate the effects of the ship’s roll on its rigging, and on stowage of its artillery and equipment.

Created at the same time as the “real” ships they represented, such models were used for the instruction of officer cadets and even of various professionals such as master shipwrights. To this end, certain models left a part of their hull uncovered so as to reveal the way the timbers were assembled.

Like its model, the frigate La Sultane was built in Toulon in 1763, under the reign of Louis XV.

A 28 cannons Frigates

Frigates were only equipped with a single row of 28 cannons rather than the three rows on ships of the line. Lighter, faster and more manoeuvrable, they were used as scouting vessels and signal repeaters, as well as for helping ships in distress during battles. In December 1793, during the operation in which the young future general Bonaparte’s recaptured Toulon’s naval shipyard from the English, La Sultane was burnt by the enemy in the city’s port.

Collection highlight

The essential works to see during your visit to the Musée national de la Marine in Brest, Port-Louis, Rochefort, Toulon, and soon in Paris.