Ship Billethead c. 1937

Dorothy Hay Jensen made this watercolor and graphite Ship Billethead drawing sometime in the middle of the 20th century. As part of the Index of American Design, this work documented decorative arts and folk art objects, preserving aspects of American cultural heritage during the Works Progress Administration era. Jensen’s choice to depict a ship billethead—the ornamental figure at the front of a ship—speaks to a broader narrative about American identity and maritime history. These billetheads often represented idealized figures, like patriotic heroes or allegorical women, embodying the values a ship was meant to represent. The original object was quite large at 24 inches high. This drawing reflects the cultural emphasis on maritime trade and naval power, so central to the economic and military expansion of the United States. The intense detail of the drawing allows us to reflect on the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating these objects. The drawing serves as a reminder of the stories ships carry, as well as the labor and lives connected to them.