Ship's Figurehead c. 1938

Louis Plogsted rendered this watercolor of a ship’s figurehead sometime between 1855 and 1995. Here, we observe a bust portrait, regal in its naval uniform with U.S. flags billowing behind the shoulders. Consider the ship’s figurehead itself: an emblem placed at the prow, guiding the ship, warding off dangers. This symbol harkens back to ancient beliefs in protective deities and spirits watching over voyages. The figurehead embodies not just direction but also the hopes and fears projected onto the unknown sea. Think of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, or Nike, a goddess figure that stood at the front of a ship, acting as a powerful symbol of triumph and protection. Now, observe how the naval officer depicted by Plogsted reflects a shift towards patriotic symbolism, as we have the American flag replacing classical icons. The flags serve as modern-day totems, linking naval power with national identity. What emerges is a powerful interplay between cultural memory and the human psyche, as society’s aspirations are embodied in these ever-evolving symbols.