Figurehead from Schooner "Packet" 1935 - 1942

Elizabeth Moutal made this drawing of a Figurehead with watercolor, but the date of its creation is unknown. There’s something about the quality of light that's really striking. It gives the whole piece a kind of soft, dreamy feel. The way the colors blend and bleed into each other, especially in the face, creates a sense of depth and volume. It's not just about replicating what's there, but also about capturing a feeling. I’m drawn to the intricate details in the hair and the gold leafing, it shows Moutal’s careful attention and skill. You can almost feel the texture, the smoothness of the skin, the intricate carving of the leaves. It’s like she's inviting us to touch and explore the surface with our eyes. This recalls the work of artists like Florine Stettheimer, who had a similarly bold and decorative approach, embracing ornament and detail as a way to convey meaning and emotion. Ultimately, the most interesting part of this piece is how open it is to interpretation.