Figurehead from the USS Constitution
Artifact IDMO 1956.228
Object Type
Painting
Artist
Elizabeth Fairchild
Dateca. 1930s
Mediumwatercolor on paper
Dimensionsimage H 14 3/8 in x W 9 5/8 in (36.5 cm x 24.4 cm )
frame D 5/8 in (1.6 cm )
frame H 25 1/8 in (63.8 cm )
frame (extra frame - empty) H 23 3/4 in x W 19 1/8 in (60.3 cm x 48.6 cm )
frame (extra frame - empty) W 18 3/4 in x D 5/8 in (47.6 cm x 1.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn original watercolor painting of a ship's carved figurehead of Hercules, showing a profile view of a nude man wearing a long, hooded cloak. frame D 5/8 in (1.6 cm )
frame H 25 1/8 in (63.8 cm )
frame (extra frame - empty) H 23 3/4 in x W 19 1/8 in (60.3 cm x 48.6 cm )
frame (extra frame - empty) W 18 3/4 in x D 5/8 in (47.6 cm x 1.6 cm )
It is matted, glazed, and framed in a 3/4" whitewashed wood frame with a metal plaque at the bottom which reads: WPA FEDERAL ART PROJECT.
Historical NoteThis watercolor was created for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) Index of American Design by the New York City Art Project, Federal Art Project, Works Progress Administration. It depicts a figurehead thought to have been carved in Boston in 1846 for the frigate, USS CONSTITUTION.
Additional Details
Credit LineAllocated by the U.S. Government, Works Progress Administration, Federal Art Project, 1935 - 1943. Held by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesArtifacts Relating to the New Deal (National Archives Identifier 750981)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view