Figurehead from Schooner "Nellie G" 1935 - 1942

This is a drawing of a figurehead from the Schooner "Nellie G," made with graphite and watercolor. The original wooden object would have been skillfully carved, using chisels, gouges, and mallets to give form to the eagle. Then it was painted, and likely gilded, before being mounted on the ship’s prow. Its inherent material qualities of density, texture, and weight are translated into the drawing through strokes of graphite, capturing light and shadow to create depth, while watercolor adds a delicate wash of color. Figureheads like this were important cultural objects, offering a symbolic representation of the ship's identity, and sometimes its owner's ambitions. The eagle motif speaks to freedom and power, but more broadly, ship carvings like this were a tradition shared around the world, linking aesthetic and craft histories. By focusing on the materials, processes, and social context of the object it represents, the drawing bridges the gap between art, design, and the world of maritime labor.