Whirligig

Bernard Westmacott

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a human figure standing upright on a cylindrical base. The subject wears a tall, pointed headdress that adds to the elongated form of the sculpture. The figure's facial features are prominently carved and its hands appear to be placed in front. The body is elongated and lean, with the figure clad in a form-fitting garment that extends straight down to the base. The sculpture is rendered in a monochrome color palette, resembling a dark gray or charcoal hue. The overall appearance suggests simplicity in design with stylized human features that stand out distinctly against the plain background. The figure is depicted in a straightforward stance, facing directly forward, with the details of the face and attire clearly defined within the available visual space.