Ship's Figurehead c. 1938

This watercolor painting by Danish-American artist Louis Plogsted depicts a ship’s figurehead, a decorative carving traditionally placed on the bow of a ship. The figurehead is that of a military officer, rendered in a realistic style, wearing a dark blue uniform with intricate gold detailing and adorned with a white sash. The artwork, created in 1938, showcases Plogsted’s detailed and meticulous approach to capturing the subject, with particular attention to the textures of the fabric and the gold accents. The figurehead is a popular subject in nautical art and symbolizes the ship’s strength and purpose.