Figurehead from "Kenilworth"
1935/1942
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paper
Dimensions
overall: 42.2 x 27.3 cm (16 5/8 x 10 3/4 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.16333
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the National Gallery of Art's spotlight on *Figurehead from "Kenilworth"* by Curry M. Bartlett, a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering created between 1935 and 1942. This detailed study depicts the ornate carved figurehead—likely from a historic American ship named *Kenilworth*—showcasing the dramatic, flowing lines and expressive features typical of maritime folk art. Standing at 42.2 x 27.3 cm, it captures the whimsical yet majestic spirit of 19th-century ship carvings, which served both as talismans for sailors and symbols of national pride. As part of the *Index of Ame...