Elmer Crowell Life-sized Woodcock

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1922 This is unequivocally one of the finest Crowell upland bird carvings to have ever been offered for sale. With delineated primaries, dropped wings and uplifted tail, the subtle feather blending is amongst the finest seen on any of Crowell's birds. The bill displays terrific, precise incised mandible carving and ever so slight curvature to the very tip of the bill. The nostrils are placed towards the head as seen on real timber-doodles. Measures 10 1/2 inches long, 8 inches tall. Bears Crowell's oval brand on the underside.

In near-mint condition with one toe professionally replaced and minor darkening to the gesso.

Provenance: Commissioned and made in 1922 for George Abercrombie Spaulding, South Carolina

Literature: B. Cullity, The Songless Aviary, Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 86. R. Bishop, American Folk Sculpture, New York, NY, 1974, p. 181, similar example.

Provenance

Commissioned and made in 1922 for George Abercrombie Spaulding, South Carolina