“Battleship Kate”: A Tattooed Sculpture and Its Dark History

In the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, there stands an unusual two-foot papier-mâché sculpture. At first glance, it seems like just another old trade figure, but what makes it truly unique isn’t its material or shape—it’s the striking collection of tattoos covering its body.

Meet “Battleship Kate”, the work of legendary American tattoo artist August “Cap” Coleman. This sculpture is a true relic of tattoo culture, adorned with classic old-school designs—everything from a battleship (emerging from the stomach) to skulls, mermaids, eagles, and even… Popeye the Sailor. Yes, the very same one who first appeared in 1929.

How an Ordinary Figure Became a Tattooed Icon

Originally, this sculpture was nothing more than an ordinary trade figure, created to advertise medical accessories—knee braces, compression stockings, and other such goods. Its form was inspired by “The Greek Slave”, a famous 19th-century sculpture by Hiram Powers, one of the most celebrated works in American art history.

At the time, “The Greek Slave” caused quite a stir. First, it was the first publicly exhibited American sculpture featuring a fully nude female figure, which was quite scandalous in the 1800s. Second, it sparked debates due to its deeper meaning—an allusion to the Greek struggle for independence and America’s own ongoing discussions about slavery. As a result, the image of “The Slave” became widely popular, appearing on everything from tobacco tins to store displays.

But no one had ever thought to cover it in tattoos—except for Coleman.

Who Was August “Cap” Coleman?

This man was a true legend in American tattoo history. Born near Cincinnati, he grew up in the carnival world, where his father worked as a tattoo artist. Coleman himself became deeply involved in the industry, covering his entire body in tattoos and earning the nickname “The Human Picture Gallery.”

Later, he settled in Norfolk, Virginia, where he opened his own tattoo parlor, catering to an endless stream of customers—mainly U.S. Navy sailors. After World War I, Norfolk became one of the most important naval bases in the country, making it the perfect place for a thriving tattoo business.

“Battleship Kate”: The Woman Who Made History

For his shop window, Coleman chose this figure, naming it “Battleship Kate from Sands Street.” But why?

The name was a tribute to Marion Reiss, a well-known Brooklyn sex worker who went by the street name “Kate”. She worked on the infamous Sands Street, was tattooed from head to toe, and was notorious for swindling sailors out of their money.

According to legend, Kate died at the age of 29, and little is known about her life. But ironically, thanks to Coleman, she still made it into the history books—even if only in the form of a tattooed papier-mâché sculpture.

And as for the sculpture itself, which was once thought lost? It resurfaced at an auction in 2014. Today, it’s displayed in a museum, standing out among the faded paintings and classical busts as probably the coolest exhibit in the entire place.

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How do you like this story? Wouldn’t it be fun if someone recreated a modern version of “Battleship Kate” for a tattoo shop today? Maybe one of you is already working on it?