1970s Figureheads at The Mariners Museum, Newport News, Virginia
DESCRIPTION
This original museum portfolio, Figureheads at The Mariners Museum, presents twelve color plates illustrating historic ship figureheads preserved in the museum's renowned maritime collection in Newport News, Virginia.
Each print depicts a different carved figurehead accompanied by a vignette of the vessel from which it originated, including examples from the Circe, Belle of Oregon, Derwent, Benmore, Bear, Galatea, Mayflower, Merrie Monarch, Formidable, Lancaster, Commodore Morris, and Mermaid. An accompanying introductory text traces the history of the figurehead tradition from the Phoenicians through the Age of Sail and into its decline during the late nineteenth century.
Mounted beneath the bowsprit, figureheads served as identifying emblems and decorative carvings on merchant vessels, naval ships, and clipper ships. Their subjects ranged from mythological figures and patriotic symbols to animals, military leaders, and allegorical characters, reflecting both the identity of the vessel and long-held maritime traditions. The graceful illustrations in this portfolio reproduce examples preserved at The Mariners Museum, one of the foremost repositories of historic American maritime artifacts.
Issued as a museum publication, this portfolio offers an attractive survey of one of the most distinctive traditions of the sailing ship era. Combining historical interpretation with finely executed color illustrations, it remains an appealing work for collectors of maritime history, nautical art, museum publications, and decorative prints.
CONDITION
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