Ward Brothers Swimming Wigeon Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1932 15 3/4 in. long

A stylish long-bodied baldpate from early in the brothers' careers. The inquisitive head is in a forward-leaning position and is turned forty-five degrees to the right. The high forehead draws back into the razor-sharp green crest. Steve's elongated body shows classic Crisfield lines that resolve in a sharp, uplifted tail. Lem's dynamic paint and design abilities are shown off with bold color blocks, sharp wing tips, a tight dot pattern, and textured stippling. Original paint with gunning wear, old putty repairs to head and tail chips, shot scars, and some minor touch-up.

Provenance: Deerfield Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, pl. 81, related example illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 148, pl. 127, related example illustrated. Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 29, fig. 43 (2nd from left), exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

Provenance

Deerfield Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection