Elmer Crowell The Dr. Fritz Talbot Willet

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1925 11 1/2 in. long

An extremely rare and highly sought-after species by the maker, Crowell is known to have made only a very few examples, with a related carving in the Jim and Diane Cook Collection. Dr. Fritz B. Talbot (1878-1964) was a prominent Boston patron of the arts and was the head of the Children’s Medical Service at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1910-1931.

The surface of the Talbot willet exhibits very strong feather blending and prominently displays the species' signature white and black wing bands, distinguishing it from Crowell's other sandpiper species. The underside of the carved "rock" base bears Crowell's oval brand. Excellent original paint with minor touch-up to gesso on legs and thighs by Gigi Hopkins.

Provenance: Dr. Fritz Talbot Collection Private Collection, Connecticut

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 206-207, related carving illustrated. Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. “Select Carvings by A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952),” Boston, MA, 2008, no. 2, exact carving illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Fritz Talbot Collection Private Collection, Connecticut