Elmer Crowell Outstanding Black-bellied Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1920 9 1/2 in. long

This plump plover has been widely published, appearing in two important early books. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Stephen Tyng Collection The Johnson Collection, acquired from the Stephen O'Brien Jr. Fine Arts 2005

Literature: John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1981, p. 143, exact example illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., “Shore Bird Decoys,” Exton, PA, 1980, color plates XXV and XXVI, exact decoy illustrated twice. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 218-219, related carvings illustrated.

Provenance

Stephen Tyng Collection The Johnson Collection, acquired from the Stephen O'Brien Jr. Fine Arts 2005