John Dilley Exceptional Calling Golden Plover

John Dilley Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 10 1/2 in. long

The uplifted head attitude, split-tail carving, and superb paint application displayed on this gunned-over decoy place it at the very top of known works by the maker. The underside has an early collector's identification. Additionally, it features the elegant, coveted, but rarely seen "Dilley" script signature on the bottom.

When referring to Dilley shorebirds in "American Bird Decoys," Mackey states, “There is no question that the detailed, stylized painting is unsurpassed. They are beautiful examples from the hand of a fastidious workman.” Starting with clean lines and a solid form, Dilley applied some of the finest representations of plumage ever demonstrated. Employing a two-tiered paint technique, he was able to imply detail without carving or painting every feather. Original paint with even gunning wear and old working touch-up to original bill.

Provenance: Private Collection, Florida

Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 7, related Dilley carvings illustrated and discussed.

Provenance

Private Collection, Florida