John R. Wells Canvasback Hen

John R. Wells (1860-1953) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, c. 1900 16 in. long

A hollow canvasback with superb head and bill carving and the maker's finest blended and combed paint. O'Brien described this Wells as having "the best paint job I have seen on a hen can."

Branded on the underside "J.R.W. MAKER" and painted “G.R.C.” In excellent original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 39, lot 60, related decoy illustrated. Laurence Sheehan, "The Sporting Life," New York, NY, 1992, p. 83, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: New York, New York, “The Art of the American Decoy: Folk Sculpture from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Donal C. O’Brien Jr.,” Museum of American Folk Art, September 3–November 8, 1981.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection