Leo McIntosh Pintail Drake

Leo McIntosh (1953-2007) Woodville, NY c.1985 17.5" long

Exceptionally well sculpted pintail drake with a thin upswept sprig tail and raised crossed wing tips. Raised head turned off to the right with glass eyes and a carved bill, including the underside of the bill. Tight comb feather paint across the body. Signed and dated under the base.

Leo McIntosh is widely regarded as the most recognized contemporary carver from New York. He began his career in 1971 as a painter for Ken Harris (1905-1981) in Woodville, New York, where he quickly developed an eye for form and finish. After five years, he turned his attention to carving his own decorative decoys while still maintaining a presence in the Harris shop. During this period, Leo achieved repeated success on the competition circuit, earning multiple Best in Show awards, including the coveted honor at the 1981 Ward World Carving Championship in Ocean City, Maryland.

Before his untimely passing in 2007, McIntosh had become one of the most sought-after artists of his generation, celebrated not only for his decoys but also for his fish carvings, folk art, and fine flat art.

Condition: Excellent and original, small black touch up to sprig tip paint flake

Provenance: J. Lindsay Fuller Collection

Provenance

J. Lindsay Fuller Collection