Elmer Crowell Life-size Ruddy Turnstone

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c.1922 An outstanding Crowell shorebird mantel carving with the finest "wet-on-wet" dry brush feather paint. The detailed intricacy of this paint treatment is amongst the finest exhibited on any Crowell carving. The paint accentuates the balanced carving which perfectly captures the form and attitude of the species. Identified by Crowell in his cursive handwriting in pencil as a "Chicken Plover," also bears the initials "LH" in pencil.

Crowell made very few decorative ruddy turnstones and less than six examples are believed to exist. Of this small body of work, this is the finest example we have seen. Bears the maker's oval brand on the bottom. In superb original paint, gesso to thighs may have old touch up; typical wear and touch up to toes; minute rub to wing tip; 1/4 inch professional restoration to very tip of bill.

Provenance: Gary Giberson Collection, acquired from Bud Ward

Provenance

Gary Giberson Collection, acquired from Bud Ward