Figurehead from the Sloop "Postmaster" c. 1937

Elizabeth Moutal's "Figurehead from the Sloop 'Postmaster'" (c. 1937) is a watercolor depiction of a figurehead, a decorative carving placed at the bow of a ship. The figurehead, likely a woman, is standing with a flowing robe and an object in her hand. Moutal, a prolific American artist, was known for her detailed and captivating watercolor paintings. Figureheads, like the one portrayed in this artwork, played a significant role in maritime tradition, often representing the ship's name or a mythological figure, symbolizing good fortune and safe passage for the vessel. The use of watercolor medium adds a sense of delicate detail and a touch of romanticism to the artwork.