The Rijksmuseum houses an unusually large seventeenth-century model ship dating back to 1698, the William Rex. It is unique in the world, not only on account of its size, its age and its elaboration, but also because of the historical and political significance it carries. This book not only explores the history and the function of this showcase model, but also the prominent role of shipping in the Republic, the admiralties and the collection of model ships in the Rijksmuseum. It also delves into the construction of the large seventeenth-century warships, daily life aboard a warship, the ship as a weapon of war, and the captain's authority.