Golden Haired Woman Figurehead attributed to Louis Joubin, 1883; 73 inches high; sold for $98,600 in 2008. Photo courtesy of Northeast Auctions.
The golden-haired figurehead in her white and green gown seems confident and casual about her ability to calm Neptune. Battling the wind she embodies the spirit of the sailing ship as she looks down over the waves. Soothing the sea gods, she makes sure the voyage will be safe.
Terry Cook of Ft. Morgan, Colorado points out that, Carved figureheads of women were also known as “Neptune’s wooden angels.” She also tells us these ship figureheads were popular between the 16th and 20th centuries.”
Patty Echelmeyer of Denver, Colorado also correctly identified the August’s What Is It as a ship’s figurehead. Congratulations! You have both won a year’s subscription to the Mountain States Collector.
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