John Henry Downes Black Duck

John Henry Downes (1863-1961) Townsend, VA, c. 1880 16 3/4 in. long

A rare decoy from this Northampton County carver who had a style and refinement all his own. Robert Shaw discusses "Sophisticated elegance of line" meeting "folksy power of mass" in reference to a related Downes black duck and another grand Northampton County bird in his "Bird Decoys of North America" book. The only similar carvings known were made by his son, John Hanson Downes. This model by the father has a drawn-back head, pronounced breast, shoulder separation, and fine tail carving. The paint was finished with exceptional feather detail.

The underside has the maker's large incised "HD" rig marking and the Robert Andrews’ rig stylized “R” lightly incised under the tail. Andrews was a fellow Life Saving Service member. It also has a branded "N" on the bottom for the collection of D.C. North (1931-2020). Early and appealing gunning paint with wear, crack in bottom and back, and neck seam separation.

Provenance: John Henry Downes Rig Robert Andrews Rig Private Collection Virginia D.C. North Collection Private Collection

Literature: Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry, "Wings of Wonder: The Remarkable Story of the Cobb Family and the Priceless Decoys They Created on Their Island Paradise." Columbia, SC, 2020, p. 298, rigmate illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 7, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

John Henry Downes Rig Robert Andrews Rig Private Collection Virginia D.C. North Collection Private Collection