Verne Cheeseman Masterworks Canvasback

Verne Cheeseman (1897-1956) Macomb, IL, c. 1930 14 in. long

This exceedingly rare decoy features Cheeseman's distinct high-head carving with Edna Perdew's best combed feather paint. Ann Tandy Lacy chose this exact drake to show alongside the famous Cheeseman goldeneye in "The Wooden Bird" exhibition. She described this duo as "...among the finest examples of the early and widespread influence of Charles Perdew." The underside has a lead strip weight and a backwards "VC" brand. Original Edna Perdew paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Vern Cheeseman 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. 129, exact decoy illustrated. Ann Tandy Lacy, “The Wooden Bird: Heritage Bird Carvers of the Upper Illinois River Valley,” Washburn, IL, 1989, p. 18, exact decoy illustrated. Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005. Peoria, Illinois, “The Wooden Bird Exhibition,” Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences, January 7–February 18, 1990. Springfield, Illinois, “The Wooden Bird Exhibition,” The Illinois State Museum, March 3–April 22, 1990.

Provenance

Vern Cheeseman Rig Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection