Figurehead design and production

I am working on the production of a figurehead on behalf of a customer. A figurehead was placed in front of a large sailing ship to convey the wealth of the owner and to give the ship an expensive appearance. I have complete free rein regarding the shape, appearance and how it is made. I started with EPS foam and cut out the shape there, then molded the shapes into it with paste and stucco. Then I covered everything with a thick epoxy layer and started painting. Now the figurehead needs to be painted further. When the paintwork is finished I will age, apply wear and the finishing touch.