Clark Madera Black Duck Pair
Clark Madara (1883-1953) Pitman, NJ, c. 1910
The catalog record
Clark Madara (1883-1953) Pitman, NJ, c. 1910 17 in. long
An excellent black duck pair with exaggerated features, including humped backs, pinched breasts, thin necks, and deep eye-groove carving. The large hollow bodies are finished with flocked paint, which was popular among Jersey hunters for its flat finish. This iconic head pattern was the basis for Joel Barber's famous bronze castings. Original paint with gunning wear. Hen has a reworked breast, drake has touch-up to reset neck.
Provenance: Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
Literature: Joel Barber, "Wild Fowl Decoys," Garden City, NY, 1937, p. 131, pl. 99, related example illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 163, related example in Lem Ward paint illustrated.
Provenance
Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
Comparable sales
The 3 most recent Clark Madera Black Ducks to cross the block.
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Clark Madera sales