Gus Wilson Surf Scoter Rigmate Pair

Augustus "Gus" Aaron Wilson (1864-1950) South Portland, ME, c. 1890 16 in. long

Exhibiting wide bodies with clean lines, this Wilson sea duck pair showcases two poses of the maker’s best form. The maker’s classic Monhegan Island model is regarded as one of Maine’s most important contributions to the art of decoy carving. Each has an inletted head, one in a back-preening pose, and the other tucked and slightly turned.

Closely related models have been prized by America’s top decoy and folk art collectors, including Thomas K. Figge, Donal C. O’Brien Jr, Jim Doherty, Russell Aitken, and Jerry Lauren, among others. In 1975 this important pair was selected for the landmark exhibition "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form." Original paint with some working paint and gunning wear.

Provenance: Jay D. Miles Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Paul A. Johnsgard, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 75, fig. 73, exact pair illustrated. Frank Maresca & Roger Ricco, "American Vernacular," New York, NY, 2002, pp. 38-39, similar preening decoy illustrated. Joel Barber, "Wild Fowl Decoys," New York, NY, 1954, p. 59, diagram of similar scoter illustrated. Christie's, "The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller," New York, NY, May 10, 2018, lots 1062 and 1063, related decoys illustrated. Adele Earnest, "The Art of The Decoy," New York, NY, 1965, p. 194, pl. 169, related animated Wilson examples illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, pp. 30-31, related decoys illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 3, related example illustrated. Linda and Gene Kangas, "Decoys," Paducah, KY, 1992, p. 246, pl. 442-444, closely related example illustrated three times.

Exhibited: Lincoln, Nebraska, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, 1975.

Provenance

Jay D. Miles Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above