Figurehead for Ship "Marcia Allen" c. 1938

Molly Bodenstein's "Figurehead for Ship 'Marcia Allen'" is a watercolor painting that depicts a woman with a decorative hairstyle, a necklace, and an elaborately designed bodice. This figurehead design, created in 1938, was likely intended for a ship named "Marcia Allen," and showcases the artist's keen attention to detail, as seen in the intricate patterns and textures used in the figurehead's garments. The realistic portrayal of the figurehead evokes the tradition of maritime art and highlights the intricate beauty and symbolism of ship figureheads, which were often considered to bring good fortune and protection during voyages.