Figurehead of Rembrandt

Art Historical Context

Step into the seafaring past with *Figurehead of Rembrandt*, a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering by artist Frances Cohen, created around 1938. This detailed depiction captures the expressive wooden sculpture that once adorned the prow of a ship—a tradition dating back centuries where figureheads served as talismans, mascots, or symbolic guardians against stormy seas. Measuring 46 x 31.5 cm, Cohen's work on paper brings to life the figure's weathered character, blending vibrant watercolor washes with precise graphite lines to evoke both artistry and maritime heritage. As part of the Index of American Design, a landmark WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s, this piece holds profound historical significance. During the Great Depression, artists like Cohen meticulously documented America's folk and decorative arts, preserving cultural treasures at risk of being lost to time. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, it exemplifies the project's mission to celebrate everyday American ingenuity—from ship carvings to quilts—through faithful, colorful reproductions that blend technical accuracy with artistic flair. Cohen's technique highlights the Index's innovative approach: watercolors lend lifelike vibrancy to the wood's patina, while graphite adds intricate detailing, making this not just a record, but a vivid portal to America's nautical soul. A testament to resilience and creativity in tough times!

About the Artist

Frances Cohen · 1912–1995

**Frances Cohen** (American, born 1912) is known primarily for her meticulous watercolor and graphite illustrations documenting American folk art as part of the Index of American Design project in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Her contributions form a significant portion of the National Gallery of Art’s holdings in this area, with twenty-four works preserved in the collection. These drawings cap...