Ship's Billethead c. 1938

Jane Iverson’s “Ship’s Billethead” from c. 1938 is a detailed watercolor of a ship’s decorative carved wooden piece. The black and gold-gilded piece is shown from a three-quarter view with intricate scrollwork and swirling designs. This watercolor is likely a study for a larger piece or a design for a ship’s decorative element. Iverson’s work often focused on decorative details and craftsmanship, making this a typical piece of her work from the 1930s. Iverson studied at the Art Students League in New York and produced a prolific body of art. The details of this watercolor are a testament to her mastery of this genre.