Figurehead from the Sloop "Postmaster" c. 1937

Elizabeth Moutal made this watercolor painting of a "Figurehead from the Sloop 'Postmaster'" sometime in the 20th century. Moutal worked for the Index of American Design, a New Deal project created during the Great Depression. This division of the Works Progress Administration employed artists to record and preserve examples of American folk and decorative art. Here, Moutal depicts a carved figure once mounted on the prow of a ship, likely from the 19th century. Figureheads like this one served as symbols of national identity, trade, and maritime power. The image creates meaning through visual codes; the classical robes evoke a sense of timelessness and tradition. The "Postmaster" was likely an American ship, so the figurehead may reflect the ideals of liberty and commerce associated with the young nation. Understanding the context of the New Deal and the Index of American Design helps us appreciate the role of art in preserving cultural heritage during times of economic hardship. We can also delve into maritime history, examining ships' logs, trade records, and other primary sources to uncover the social and economic significance of vessels like the "Postmaster" and the figureheads they carried.