Amos Wheaton Mackey Wheaton Goldeneye

Amos Wheaton (1853-1921) Seaville, NJ, c. 1890 13 3/4 in. long

These folky decoys have long been celebrated for the artist's unique take on the goldeneye's pronounced head shape. William J. Mackey Jr.'s inked collection stamp is prominently displayed twice on the underside on the carving. This decoy was exhibited at the Noyes Museum in August 1995. Original paint with gunning wear, crack in back, and head is loose. Original carved indentation across underside.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection

Literature: Adele Earnest, "The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings," New York, NY, 1965, p. 64, related example illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 32, pl. III, and p. 142, pl. 326, related examples illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 166, pl. 351, related example illustrated. Exhibited: Oceanville, NJ, Noyes Museum, August 1995.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection