Model of a figurehead c. 1796 - 1850

anonymous

3d sculpting

rounded shape

jewelry design

3d character model

sculptural image

curved letter used

unrealistic statue

framed image

watercolour illustration

watercolor

This anonymous model of a figurehead from c. 1796-1850 depicts a woman in a flowing white dress with a blue cloak and sandals. She holds a small bag filled with golden spheres. The figure stands on a carved wooden base, traditionally meant to be placed on the prow of a ship. These figureheads were meant to symbolize the vessel’s name and were often decorated with ornate carvings and paint. This example, crafted in wood and painted in white, gold, and blue, was likely meant to be a decorative piece that could also represent the ship's figurehead.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Carved figures on the prows of ships usually illustrated their names. This model represents Atalanta, a mythological Greek heroine. She can be recognizable by her classical clothing and three golden apples. The female figure stands on the ship’s stem, which is decorated with garlands. The large version of this Atalanta adorned a brig of the same name from 1796.