Model of a figurehead c. 1796 - 1850

This painted wood sculpture is a model of a figurehead, an ornament fixed at the prow of a ship. The figure is reminiscent of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit trees, gardens, and orchards, and it is this identity that the artist would have wanted to invoke to inspire confidence in the ship's journey. Pomona is almost always portrayed with a selection of seasonal fruits, as she is here, connecting her to abundance, harvest, and well-being. The style of dress, with robes draped over one shoulder, is also reminiscent of classical antiquity, and it calls on a tradition of both Roman and Greek imagery. The symbolic connection to the classical world is not accidental; it is an attempt to imbue the ship with a rich heritage, projecting an aura of safety and prosperity. The figure embodies the hope for safe passage and fruitful ventures, reflecting the deep-seated human desire for control over the uncertainties of the sea. This archetype of a protective, abundant deity touches the subconscious, offering solace and reassurance on the perilous journey. Pomona continues to reappear in various forms, her essence echoing through different cultures and epochs.