Edit Object 77

Elegant with diminutive proportions, a flowing dress and a carved cameo locket and pearls, this American figurehead appropriately has her chin up and hair demurely tied. She absolutely began her existence as a prominent part of a 19th century sailing ship, carved from a hard pine and covered with gesso and a creamy tone with some of her original deep green coloration showing. Positioned as the culmination of the bow, a figurehead is among the most prized artifacts which come from a ship. More than just an artistically carved image, each serves as the symbol of the ship's nature and namesake.

Figure carvers found work in the shipyards of the east coast as a full-time occupation for more than 200 years, beginning in the second half of the 17th century. Most often, their works were directly commissioned by the vessel builders and owners, and the final result would be an image that closely identified with the vessel's name in nearly all cases.

Securely attached to a heavy steel strut and base, she is positioned with her natural rake. Her extreme bottom has been stabilized to prevent further deterioration and some of the original wood patina is showing in its highly polished state. A fine surviving artifact of the great age of sail.

Provenance: Mr. & Mrs. G. William Holland Collection of American Folk Art;
Smith Gallery, New York

Select a Type
American Ship Portrait
Barometers
Bells
Binnacles & Compasses
Binoculars
Book Maritime
Book Voyages
Books
Books General
Boylhart Collection
Builders Full Models
Builders Half-Model
Canes - Decorative
Canes - Gimmick
Cannons
Carving
Chronometers
Clocks
Contemporary Art
Contemporary Models
Decorative Art - Boxes
Dieppe Models
Diorama Models
Diving Helmets & Equipment
Dockyard Models
Edged Weapons
Engravings
Figureheads
Firearms
Fishing Equipment
Folk Art Models
Furniture
Glass and Pottery
Globes
Jewelry
Joe & Lisa's Art Collection
Lamps
Letters
Lighthouse Artifacts
Limited-Edition Prints
Lithographs
Maps & Charts
Marine Narrative
Marine Narrative at Sea
Medical
Microscopes
Miscellaneous Artifacts
Navigation Instruments - Compass
Navigation Instruments
Navigation Instruments - Sextant
Octants, Quadrants & Backstaffs
Original art
Other Models
Painted Photograph
Passenger Liner Memorabilia
Patent Models
Period Models
Photographs
Pond Models
Pottery
Prints
Prisoner-of-War Artifacts
Prisoner-of-War Models
Sailor Crafts
Sailor Valentines
Sailor Woolworks
Scrimshaw Artifacts
Scrimshaw Private
Scrimshaw Teeth
Sea Chests
Sextants
Ship Clocks
Ship Hardwares
Ship in a Bottle
Ship Log Books
Ships Flogging Whip
Signed Documents
Silver and Silver Plated Models
Speaking Trumpets
Statues
Steam Engine Models
Steam Models
Sundials
Sword
Tankards & Pitchers
Telescopes
Tillers, Rudders & Yokes
Toy Models
Trinity Boxes
Trophys & Presentions
Voyages & Travels
Watches
Whaling