Figurehead

c. 1936

James Vail

Associated Names
James H.C. Vail

Artist, American, 1905 - 1971

The sculpture depicts the bust of a figure wearing an elaborate headdress with a prominent feather. The subject has long, dark hair flowing down past the shoulders, and finely detailed facial features. The skin tone of the sculpture is a red-brown hue. The clothing of the figure is intricately depicted, with visible layers in shades of red and green, combined with intricate carving design underneath. The material appears to be painted wood, given the carved texture and the glossy finish seen in the visual representation.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and graphite on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 31.6 x 20.8 cm (12 7/16 x 8 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.9881


Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q64580717

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