Old Ship Figure-Heads and Sterns (Dover Maritime)

As a history of decorative naval architecture, this unique book takes a well-illustrated look at a fascinating variety of shipboard ornamentations, systematically explaining where ideas and forms originated through the ages, and how nations influenced one another in their designs. While some European ships are considered, the focus is primarily upon English vessels — from vintage Elizabethan galleons to Lord Nelson’s Victory, built in 1765.
A detailed chapter on figureheads examines carved ornaments at the fore of ships ancient and modern, among them a god-like figure and swan on an ancient Roman sailing vessel, a carving of Louis XIV with shield and spear on an eighteenth-century French ship, and increasingly elaborate English styles, which ultimately featured riders on horseback and allegorical portrayals of royalty. All technical terms are explained simply and effectively, with three full pages of key drawings depicting the head, broadside, and stern of a ship, and identifying each item discussed.
Figureheads and other decorative elements found in the stern and amidships — escutcheons and lanterns, rails, gun ports, belfries, timberheads, and more — are illustrated in more than 100 halftones and 3210 line drawings. Accompanied by the author's carefully researched, eminently readable text, they make this volume a treasure for naval historians, model builders, and anyone interested in the great ocean-going vessels of the past. These royalty-free illustrations will also answer the needs of graphic artists seeking accurate images of historic ships.