Amos Wheaton Rare Goldeneye

Amos Wheaton (1853-1921) Seaville, NJ, c. 1890 13 1/2 in. long

These folky decoys have long been celebrated for the artist's unique take on the goldeneye's pronounced head shape. This exact decoy was selected for Ricco and Maresca's "American Vernacular." The underside has a museum acquisition code. Original paint with even gunning wear, including some flaking to bill.

Provenance: Edwin and Alberta Gamble Collection Property from the Collections of the American Folk Art Museum, gift from above

Literature: Frank Maresca and Roger Ricco, "American Vernacular: New Discoveries In Folk, Self-Taught, And Outsider Sculpture," New York, NY, 2002, p. 47, exact decoy illustrated. Adele Earnest, "The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings," New York, NY, 1965, p. 64, related example illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 32, pl. III, and p.142, pl. 326, related examples illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 166, pl. 351, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Edwin and Alberta Gamble Collection Property from the Collections of the American Folk Art Museum, gift from above