Mark McNair Rig of Six Black-bellied Plovers

Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, c. 2000 A superb grouping of a half-dozen tack-eyed beetle-head plover decoys. While McNair has made numerous shorebird rigs over the years, birds from these sets have typically been sold off individually. This intact rig presents a rare opportunity to own an entire McNair rig. Displaying emerging plumage, all bear the maker’s incised signature on the underside. 464 detail “Parker’s Island is a rambling marsh island with a long stretch of white beach facing the Chesapeake Bay, not too far from my home. Like most islands it has its own unique ever-changing beauty, and its solitude is an attraction for nesting and migratory shorebirds. I spotted this group of plover resting on a spit of marsh, all facing the wind as though weathervanes. The water behind them, reflecting the late afternoon autumnal sun, backlit them, so there was little colour, no black and white, only the distinct silhouette of plover as if made of weathered wood. That is what I tried to capture.” -Mark S. McNair Original condition.

Provenance: Paul W. Masengarb Collection

Provenance

Paul W. Masengarb Collection