Figurehead from "Empress" c. 1938

Lucille Chabot made this watercolor and graphite drawing of a figurehead, likely in the early to mid-20th century. The rendering is precise, capturing the way such sculptures would have been carved from wood. The figure emerges, draped and windswept, from a florid base, with careful attention to the grain and the fall of light. Consider how much labour was required to produce these objects in their original form. The carving of figureheads was a highly specialized craft, requiring a deep understanding of wood and its properties, and a steady hand. The figurehead was not just decoration; it was a symbol of the ship's identity, and by extension, the wealth and power of its owner. Chabot’s drawing reminds us that even seemingly decorative objects are the result of skill, intention, and a great deal of human effort. So, next time you see a ship's figurehead, remember the hands that shaped it, and the stories it carries.