At the Vasamuseet

I spent a fascinating morning at the Vasa museum. Like our own Mary Rose this Swedish warship was salvaged from the Baltic having also sunk on her maiden voyage in 1628. Supposedly state of the art the ship is in a great state of preservation as a result of the brackish Baltic waters and is quite a magnificent vessel. Built by King Gustavus Vasa at the height of Sweden struggle for Baltic dominance during the Thirty Years War it is a real statement of power and intent. It is beautifully decorated and stern is a masterpiece of the carver’s art. The museum is well curated and the reconstruction of the decks are excellent and give a real feel for life on board ship. the many objects on display also helped the visitor get an insight in the sailors lives. I was particularly struck by the intensive research done into paint fragments which show the ship was magnificently decorated with painted sculptures and painted reproductions are on display.