An exceptional and rare Naval carved figurehead, this representation is believe to be of a European Admiral, quite possibly Italian, of the late 18th Century, with proper uniform details and proudly wearing a version of the Maltese Cross. The figurehead would have been the lead element of the prominent bow and forecastle of a vessel named for the admiral.
o objects evoke such immediate and romantic images of the sea as a figurehead from a sailing ship. The art of the mariner is best expressed in these silent and very prized artifacts. These bow decorations are of great importance not only by virtue of their form, attire and artistic merit, but by their significant historical value as well.
We can't overstate just how rare a quality carved figurehead of a naval warship is in any collection. This example holds fine workmanship with the handsome features, excellent scale and human presence portrayed by a master carver. Small swaths of original paint remain, and the Maltese Cross on the uniform would have been gilded with enamel. From the positioning of the mounting holes, it would have been posted on an up-swept forecastle, and stood forward and straight. Whether the Admiral is Italian or of another nationality, it is definitely from his of his period and design.
