Elmer Crowell Hudsonian Curlew

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 An important, early, "Jack" or Hudsonian curlew by the "Father" of modern bird carving. One of the finest curlews by Crowell or any other maker to ever come on the market.

Crowell carved this masterpiece during a magical period when he was transitioning between his early working decoy style and his detailed decorative style, developed to show off his talents to his patrons. A life-size Whimbrel (modern nomenclature) with detailed bill carving, black glass eyes and an alert, slightly turned head with a delicately carved neck. The bird exhibits gently blended feather paint detail and a warm patina. Crowell's oval brand signature is on the bottom of the carved rock base.

Carved at the same time and with the same painted detail as the running curlew, sold by Copley Fine Art Auctions in July of 2007, which stands as the current world record for a Crowell decorative shorebird. In original paint. Professional restoration to gesso on right thigh and two toes.

Provenance: George Abercrombie Spaulding Collection Private Collection, South Carolina

Literature: Brian Cullity, The Songless Aviary, Hyannis, MA, 1992. Copley Fine Art Auctions, The Sporting Sale 2007, Boston, MA, 2007, lot 198, front cover, similar example illustrated.

Provenance

George Abercrombie Spaulding Collection Private Collection, South Carolina