Welcome to an age of innovation, color, music, science, technological discovery and exploration - welcome to the Renaissance!

This build features a master craftsman, the Renaissance Shipwright and his crew: a faithful journeyman and a somewhat-green apprentice. They are at work building a vessel of exploration and trade, a beautiful carrack. The ship has been commissioned by a lordly captain, who is anxiously overseeing the work, ready to set sail as soon as his ship is completed. In the background a paymaster makes sure that everyone's coffers stay full, as shipbuilding is a costly endeavor. Thankfully the treasury is amply stocked. A saleswoman offers refreshments to the busy team, and a city soldier watches over the construction from the watch tower.

The Renaissance period has not been tackled much in LEGO. As a lifelong fan of castle and pirates, I felt this era allowed some interesting innovation across both of these beloved themes.

The design uses many varied building techniques. Stud-on-the-side construction is used extensively for various details throughout the build. The tower uses inverted plates and brackets at the top to create unique battlements that are typical of the historical period. I put a particular focus on exterior details (as I love designing these), and have used whips as ropes, urns which employ some inverted building techniques, and period specific details like weighing scales, pavise shields, halberds and two arquebus in the armory. Additionally, the construction site feel is helped by a brick-built square, level, two hand saws, and numerous other details.

I hope you enjoy this build!