John Dilley Extremely Rare Golden Plover

John Dilley Quogue, NY, c. 1890 A full-bodied golden plover in non-breeding plumage with deep S-shaped wing carving that sweeps back to resolve under the tail. When referring to Dilley shorebirds in American Bird Decoys, Mackey states that, “there is no question that the detailed, stylized painting is unsurpassed. They are beautiful examples from the hand of a fastidious workman.” Starting with clean lines and a solid form, John Dilley applied some of the finest representations of plumage ever recorded. Using a two-tiered paint technique he was able to imply detail without carving or painting every feather. This decoy exemplifies his abilities. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Private Collection, New England

Literature: Adele Earnest, The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings, West Chester, PA, 1965, p. 60, Fig. 41, similar example illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, color plate IV, similar example illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, New England