Lothrop Holmes Long Tail Duck Drake

Lothrop Holmes (1824-1899) Kingston, MA, c. 1870 Those acquainted with the work of Lothrop Holmes come to expect a certain level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is scarcely found elsewhere, this old squaw is no exception. The head carving is done with an efficiency and sophistication that captures the nuances of the species. Some of its features include well developed cheeks that rise to subtle eye grooves which meet at a sharp forehead that rises to a broadened crown. The slightly upswept bill with subtle nail carving gives this bird one of the most pleasing attitudes of the entire rig. The gentle curve of the neck fits perfectly onto the canvas stretched over the foremost slat.

Adding to the accolades of this rig, a rigmate was depicted on the 1980 Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp and print. Outstanding original condition with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Philip Y. DeNormandie Collection

Literature: John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, p. 79, exact decoy illustrated (image reversed) George Ross Starr, Jr. M.D., "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway," New York, NY, 1974, pp. 56-57, color plate 3, rigmate illustrated. Frank Schmidt and Gary Guyette, The Art of Deception: Waterfowl Decoys from the Collection of Paul Tudor Jones II, St. Michaels, MD, 2006, pp. 24-25, similar decoy illustrated. John Clayton, "Massachusetts Masters: Decoys, Shorebirds, and Decorative Carvings," Salisbury, MD, 2010, pp.40-41, rigmate illustrated. Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp, 1980, rigmate illustrated. Linda and Gene Kangas, "Decoys," Paducah, KY, 1992, p.219, plate 379, rigmate illustrated. Hal Sorenson ed., "Decoy Collector's Guide: 1968 Annual," Burlington, IA, pp. 113-114, rigmate illustrated. Jeff Waingrow, "American Wildfowl Decoys," New York, NY, 1985, pp. 66-67, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Philip Y. DeNormandie Collection