Model of a Figurehead 1800 - 1850

This anonymous wooden model from the 19th century depicts a figurehead, a decorative sculpture that would have adorned the prow of a ship. The figurehead is carved in the shape of a woman with her arms outstretched, holding a bird in her right hand and a book in her left. This model is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of shipbuilders during this period, reflecting the Dutch maritime heritage. The model is now a part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, a prominent repository of Dutch art and history.