Seahorse-shaped figurehead, inv. no. U. k. 2

Dated to: 19th century

Material: wood

Dimensions: 110 x 146 x 58 cm

Made by: Apostolo Signan

Hippocampus from unknown vessel

 

The seahorse-shaped figurehead, in muted green colour, adorned the bow of a large 19th century sailing ship from Koper. This mythological creature, with a head and mane resembling a horse and the rear body shaped like a seahorse, was made with remarkable anatomical precision and expressive power. Similar figurehead motifs are known from elsewhere; the example closest to us comes from Hamburg.