Robert Elliston The Masterworks Preening Bluebill

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1880 11 in. long

While the Ellistons are known to have carved several famous preening puddle ducks, this may be the only preening diver to have surfaced.

This exact decoy is illustrated in "Masterworks of the Illinois River," in which the authors note "Robert Elliston's great sense of sculptural form." It was then selected for the front entrance of the Center For American Decoys' "Masterworks of the Illinois River" exhibit in a dedicated case.

This hollow decoy displays an upswept tail, a gracefully arching neck, and full cheeks. The underside bears an incised "F.W.P." Original paint with heavy gunning wear, and some touch-up to black. Tight reset crack in neck.

Provenance: Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 39, exact decoy illustrated. Zac Zetterberg, ed., "American Decoy: The Invention," Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 191, exact decoy illustrated. Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005. Peoria, Illinois, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Center for American Decoys, Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Provenance

Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection