Elmer Crowell Exceptional Tern

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 An early and rare carving of a life-size tern measuring twelve-and-one-half-inches from tip to tail. This carving accurately captures the attitude of these beautiful birds. The “wet-on-wet” dry brush paint is subtly blended and shows Crowell at his best. The bird’s bent legs are perched on a base made to resemble a large oyster shell. The underside of the base bears Crowell’s crisp early brand and “Tern Gull” in penciled script. Excellent original paint, reset bill and and tail tips with touch-up along break lines and portions of both feet.

Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts

Literature: Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A.E. Crowell," Hyannis, MA, 1992, pp. 26, 99, 125.

Provenance

Private Collection, Massachusetts