Joseph Sieger High-head Canvasback Drake

Joseph Sieger (1871-1959) Tustin, WI, c. 1900 16 in. long

This hollow decoy is a superb early example featuring Sieger’s best work. Rigmates have been collected by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center and the O'Brien and McCleery Collections, among others. This decoy was selected for the "Wisconsin Decoys" special exhibition at the 2004 National Antique Decoy Show.

"A remarkable canvasback, part of a small rig by Joseph Sieger of Tustin, Wisconsin, is one of the finest figures ever discovered in the state. Its graceful proportions lend an alertness and elegance to the piece." — Ronald Swanson discussing a rigmate, 1987 Excellent original paint with even gunning wear including some appealing craquelure.

Provenance: Gary Koebel Collection Private Collection

Literature: Joe Engers, ed. "Wisconsin Decoys," Decoy Magazine, May/June 2004, exact decoy illustrated. Ronald S. Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 43, fig. 67, rigmate illustrated. Beatrix T. Rumford and Carolyn J. Weekley, "Treasures of American Folk Art," Boston, MA, 1989, p. 77, rigmate illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 63, lot 119, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Gary Koebel Collection Private Collection