DE 7 PROVINCIËN (1665) 1:50

FIGUREHEAD - part 3

A shame I stopped making pictures as it turned out that after shortening his nose I was able to transform this test piece into something that looked like a lion and it grew on me so I refined it further and further until I finally was convinced that it would make a fine figurehead.

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So I crowned him to be my lawful figurehead.

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I then had to make a slot in his back to make it fit between the different sections of the bow.

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You’re off to a good start. Here are a few references that may help. View attachment 519000
One is the Batavia…
Thank you Dean.
I have looked and collected loads of pictures of lions, both carved and real.
Most of all to get an idea of the proportions of the head, the form of the skull, the placement of the eyes, the nose and the mouth.
 
I should keep a notepad next to this computer as I peruse build logs. Every time I go through one I discover things I would have never thought of:
  • Those metal reinforcements under the haul holes (I know my lingo is way off) on the bow
  • Using a file to make the profile piece for the steps on the outside of the hull
  • The fact that now all steps are a single plank or even two planks of different sizes, but 1 piece of wood profiled by in this forum
  • The carvings displayed so far are very inspiring and I LOVE the instructive detail being provided!
I also send condolences on the loss of Mother and Father-in-law this year. Like many others I can relate a bit. I lost my 86 year old mom in January and a few weeks later my favorite uncle in the world. At 71 I find I have only one close person remaining that is older than me, my best friend who is battling, with God's direction, cancer.
 
Looks Great! A very nice addition to your ship. To me, the figurehead and the galleries are important elements that can either make or break a ship model. You’ve certainly made it a plus! ;)
Thank you Dean.
Totally agree with you. If i had not succeeded in carving a believable figurehead i would have had to seek my salvation in 3d design and cnc work. That might have produced a nicer image, but i still prefer hand carved work for my model.. as long as it is acceptable.
 
I should keep a notepad next to this computer as I peruse build logs. Every time I go through one I discover things I would have never thought of:
  • Those metal reinforcements under the haul holes (I know my lingo is way off) on the bow
  • Using a file to make the profile piece for the steps on the outside of the hull
  • The fact that now all steps are a single plank or even two planks of different sizes, but 1 piece of wood profiled by in this forum
  • The carvings displayed so far are very inspiring and I LOVE the instructive detail being provided!
I also send condolences on the loss of Mother and Father-in-law this year. Like many others I can relate a bit. I lost my 86 year old mom in January and a few weeks later my favorite uncle in the world. At 71 I find I have only one close person remaining that is older than me, my best friend who is battling, with God's direction, cancer.
Thank you very much for your nice words and condolences. I hope your friend wins this battle!
I am happy you find this work inspiring. No need for a notepad, simply bookmark what you can later use as reference material.
 
Outstanding work on the lion, Herman! I also really like the rosette finial above and behind the lion’s head.
Thank you Marc.
I did remember you sending me a picture of a great example of a lion figurehead you carved.
I also tried to carve some French lilies on the crown, but that was a bridge too far for now. So I made a simpler design.
 
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