Figurehead: "Jolly Tar"

Mary E. Humes

Associated Names
Mary E. Humes

Artist, American, 1911 - 2001

The sculpture depicts a historical male figure standing in a confident pose. He has one hand on his hip and the other resting by his side. He is dressed in period attire, including a blue coat, a cream shirt, red breeches, and black shoes with buckles. The figure stands upon a base that resembles a scroll or a ship's masthead. The sculpture is rendered in a painted style, with earth-toned hues. The base includes an inscription mentioning "privateer Brigantine JOLLY TARR Norfolk Virginia 1781." The sculpture appears to be from the 18th century, as indicated by the date on the base, and is depicted in a manner typical of ship figureheads from that era.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 53.3 x 33.8 cm (21 x 13 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.3174


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower right in black ink: Mary E. Humes / Federal Art Project / W.P.A. of Virginia.

Wikidata ID

Q64607812

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