Bert Graves High-head Brant

Bert Graves (1880-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1940 17 in. tall, 23 in. long

This grand decoy leads the Graves chapter in the "Masterworks of the Illinois River" book. Brant decoys by Illinois River makers are virtually nonexistent. This special bird only came into existence because Graves' son was moving to the West Coast and needed brant decoys. The hollow body was made with four-piece construction, and the long neck was even hollowed to lower the center of gravity.

Graves built the Graves Decoy Company out of the workshop behind his home. Graves purchased Elliston’s entire business, including wood, patterns, tools, and commissioned rigs. He also astutely hired Catherine Elliston to continue painting decoys for his company. Original paint with even gunning wear, including a few dings in the back. Sealer around slightly loose neck seam.

Provenance: Graves Rig Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 94, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2–November 13, 2005. Peoria, Illinois, “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria Riverfront Museum, February 9–April 28, 2019.

Provenance

Graves Rig Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection