Elmer Crowell Important Calling Tern

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1925 20 1/2 in. wide, 12 in. long

Crowell's leading patron, Dr. John C. Phillips (1876-1938), talks about Crowell's creations in "A Sportsman's Scrapbook," "Elmer used to decorate Wenham Camp with all sorts of mythical looking birds, whittled out and suspended from the ceiling so that they revolved solemnly around if you blew a puff of smoke their way."

This curvaceous early work renders the aerial beauty of the species to perfection. It was Crowell's interpretive ability to capture the likeness of birds and waterfowl that defined him as the father of American bird carving.

Crowell used this soaring, one-of-a-kind tern as one of his most elaborate canvases. The anatomy of the bird is nearly flawless with a full body, gently curved wings, and a forked tail. Crowell used all four surfaces of the broad wings to display his exceptional wet-on-wet feather blending. The fanned tail features incised feather carving on both the top and bottom surfaces, the rarity of which cannot be overstated. The bird is finished with carved inset feet and a detailed open bill. Many consider this Crowell carving among his finest flying creations. Original paint with even wear, minor touch-up on back around hanging eye, putty seams, and to a reset left foot.

Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Dr. John C. Phillips, "A Sportman's Scrapbook," Boston, MA, 1928, p. 33. Stephen B. O'Brien, Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2018, exact bird illustrated.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection