Artwork preview

Figurehead "Martha"

Mary E. Humes

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a female figure in a dynamic pose, with her right arm bent and hand placed near her chest while her left arm is at her side. She is dressed in a draped garment intricately carved to suggest flowing fabric, giving a sense of movement. The figure's hair is styled in an elaborate fashion, with tight curls framing her face. The sculpture is a mix of light and dark tones, appearing textured, and made from a material resembling aged ivory or bone, with visible grain and surface variations. Shown in a three-quarter view from head to waist, the sculpture is carved with attention to detail, providing a lifelike representation of the woman, defined by precise lines and contours.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1938
Medium
watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper
Dimensions
3456 × 4616 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original