Model of a Figurehead c. 1820 - 1830

This wooden figurehead model, crafted at Rijkswerf Vlissingen, presents a compelling image of a male figure poised with a trident. The trident, a clear allusion to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, signals dominion over the marine realm. Consider how Neptune, or Poseidon in Greek mythology, wields this very symbol across epochs. From ancient mosaics to Renaissance sculptures, the trident consistently marks his power and authority. The gesture of the figure, hand to his face, can be seen in figures throughout time, representing an expression of thought or contemplation, and the moment just before acting. Reflect on how the trident evolves—from a simple fishing spear to an emblem of divine control, a potent example of how symbols can be charged with ever-shifting cultural meanings. The emotional impact of this figure, teetering on the prow, strikes at our primal fears and fascinations with the sea, engaging us in a timeless dialogue about humanity’s relationship with the untamed waters.