Elmer Crowell Running Curlew

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1912 Carved in a bold running pose this sculpture measures seventeen inches from the tip of the bill to the tail and marks one of Elmer Crowell’s best efforts. This auction house offered a related example in its 2007 Sporting Sale that sold for $189,000 (see Fig. 1). Both of these birds were made during a nexus in Crowell’s career when he was transitioning from working decoys to decorative carvings. It was during this period that Crowell produced some of his most exemplary works. Given the subtleties of the construction and carving technique, along with paint application, this bird likely dates as the earliest of all known Crowell decorative curlews. It is very likely that this masterwork was carved for one of Crowell’s early patrons, either Dr. John C. Phillips, Jr. (1876-1938) or Dr. John H. Cunningham, Jr. (1877-1960).

The bird’s cocked and outstretched stance upon its long wire legs gives it an animated quality that pairs with a curious air as the left eye gazes up, engaging the viewer. The primary feathers are incised in the same manner of Crowell’s finest "dust jacket" shorebirds. Crowell used an impasto paint technique only seen in his earliest decoratives that creates a textured surface, adding an intricate dimension to the already sophisticated paint pattern. The legs are comprised of early solid wire, with extra feathered and sculpted gesso thighs and knees. The wooden base is carved as a gently undulated rock with subtly painted leaves, this treatment is only seen in his earliest works. The carving is signed with a crisp oval brand impression.

In the day, when this mantle carving was created, Elmer referred to this species of bird as a Hudsonian or Jack Curlew. Today, Numenius hudsonicus has become Numenius phaeopus, or a Whimbrel. A letter from the consignor that accompanied this mantle carving stated that this curlew had “been hidden away in the California foothills for over fifty years. It has never been offered for sale." Outstanding original paint and condition with minimal wear from handling. Very minor touch-up to one foot and one knee by Gigi Hopkins.

Provenance: Private Collection, California, by descent in the family to the current owner (acquired no later than the 1950’s)

Provenance

Private Collection, California, by descent in the family to the current owner (acquired no later than the 1950’s)