Capital-ship appearance as a form of deterrence

The Conte di Cavours appear deliberately imposing, while the Courbets look more utilitarian despite comparable headline characteristics. In peacetime, a capital ship has to communicate power before anyone explains its machinery or gunnery, so silhouette and presence contribute to deterrence. The same argument applies to modern carriers and warships because a harbor visit begins a contest for attention and political impression. For a navy with only a few capital ships, a distinctive named vessel could signal national power more effectively than an anonymous fleet total.