Figurehead

Object Name:

Figurehead

Object ID:

1922.023

Place of Origin:

Laconia, NH

Date:

circa 1848

Description:

Figurehead, "Lady of the Lake". Full-length female figure (life size) standing on an integral, trapezoidal base, 3" high. Base has rounded front and upper surface carved with an overall design of contiguous lozenges. Head is turned toward subject's right; pupils and iris of the eyes are not defined. Hair is drawn back and held in place by a fillet that is decorated with alternating lozenges and circles. Dress has a pointed waistline, V-neckline, wide flat collar, scrolled trim on the bodice, and full sleeves caught in just below the shoulder with a wide band. Shawl draped over right shoulder and right forearm. Bracelet on left wrist. She stands with her left leg slightly forward and bent at the knee. Left hand holds at the side a hat with ribbon-trimmed crown. Right arm is bent at elbow with an upright paddle in the hand. The paddle is a separate piece. A wedge-shaped section has been cut from the back so the figurehead can fit around the prow of the boat. The figure is painted white with gold trim.

Material:

Wood
Pine

Dimensions:

H-58.25 W-21.25 D-30 inches

Provenance:

Figurehead for steamer, "Lady of the Lake", Winnipesaukee Steamboat Co., built 1848. In service until 1893. After the dismantling of the "Lady" in 1893 the figurehead was placed on top of Col. Charles H. Cummings' boathouse in Meredith, NH. The figurehead was donated to the New Hampshire Historical Society by the estate of Col. Cummings in 1922.

Credit Line:

Gift of the Estate of Charles H. Cummings

People:

Scott, Walter (1771-1832), Cummings, Charles H. (1842-1920)

Subjects:

Lady of the Lake, Figureheads