A three-quarter length polychrome figurehead of Megaera, one of the Greek and Roman goddess of vengeance and retribution (called Furies) from the troopship HMS Megaera (1849). Megaera 'the jealous one' would punish those who committed crimes, especially marital infidelity. This figurehead uses the classic symbol of the Furies, a woman with snakes in her hair. Her green peplos mantle (classical Greek body-length garment) is draped over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder and breast exposed.
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
1849
Wood: pine
1245.0 x 610.0 x 686.0 mm
FHD0092
Image and text © Royal Museums Greenwich, 2021
Where you'll find this
National Maritime Museum
Permanent collection