Saint Michel from the Saint Michel, 1909.
I'm not sure what to make of this one. There have been many ships named Saint-Michel. Jules Verne owned three of them, but since he died in 1905 it seems unlikely this was one of his. Saint Michel is sometimes an alternate spelling of Saint Micheal the Archangel, the patron saint of mariners, who is often portrayed fighting Satan with a sword. But Michael was a he-angel, and this one sure looks like a gal to me. Maybe she's supposed to be Micheal's sister.
I'm not sure what to make of this one. There have been many ships named Saint-Michel. Jules Verne owned three of them, but since he died in 1905 it seems unlikely this was one of his. Saint Michel is sometimes an alternate spelling of Saint Micheal the Archangel, the patron saint of mariners, who is often portrayed fighting Satan with a sword. But Michael was a he-angel, and this one sure looks like a gal to me. Maybe she's supposed to be Micheal's sister.
Hope, ship unknown, 19th Century.
No question of gender here. This babe flaunts what she's got.
No question of gender here. This babe flaunts what she's got.
Hindu, ship unknown, 19th Century.
And for all you ladies out there, here's a studly sophisticate in short pants.
About the he/she, well, i believe is due to one fact: Many, may times, the look of a icocnic representation of an angel is ambiguous. Maybe is due to the old byzantine question: "What is the sex of angels?"
ReplyDeleteGotta like the guy with the spear man.
ReplyDeleteI love these.
ReplyDeleteThe harpooner is unusual for a masthead, yes?
ReplyDeleteMust admit I know next to nothing about figureheads, but these - and the several others in the museum - were danged impressive. Too bad today's ships don't have them.
ReplyDelete