Elmer Crowell The Dempsey-chace Semipalmated Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1925 6 1/4 in. long

This striking plover again showcases the efforts Crowell would make for his very best patrons and their descendants. Charles A. and his wife, Alice E. Hardy, are credited as the first patrons to motivate Crowell to pursue his mantel birds (see lot 29). Crowell carvings would remain in the family for at least three generations through their daughter, Alison H. Dempsey, to their granddaughter Ashley Dempsey. This carving is one of the earlier works to bear J. Ashely's name, which is burned in the bottom alongside Crowell's oval brand.

This bird is part of a small group of Crowell shorebirds to bear a distinctly burnt-in name from the three generations of ladies listed above. Other examples include a curlew pictured in the Crowell book and across from it, the iconic great blue heron on display in the Shelburne Museum's collection.

The underside also has an illegible inked inscription that appears similar to C. A. Hardy's writing.

The paint is excellent with more detail, color, and contrast than is seen in a live bird. It has extensive wet-on-wet blending, white-on-white feathering, and deeply layered plumage with very fine ticking. It is among the very finest of Crowell's small plover. Original paint with light wear, several minor paint flakes, by left eye, top of base, tip of bill, and on right wing. Old touch-up and typical putty loss to parts of thighs, knees, and toes.

Provenance: J. Ashley Dempsey Collection Evelyn Thayer Chace Collection, acquired 1976 Private Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co. Inc., "Rare American Decoys & Bird Carvings," Hyannis, MA, July 13-14, 1976, lot 285, exact carving illustrated. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 75-77, Hardy-Dempsey birds and burned name illustrated and discussed, p. 52, related semipalmated plover illustrated (incorrect caption).

Provenance

J. Ashley Dempsey Collection Evelyn Thayer Chace Collection, acquired 1976 Private Collection, by descent from the above