Elmer Crowell Early Tern

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 12 1/4 in. long

An early and rare carving of a life-size tern accurately capturing the attitude of these elegant hunters. The full body is adorned with the painter’s best “wet-on-wet” dry brushed plumage. Subtle details include the crossed primary feathers being separated by an incised line and the long forked tail below showing a gently undulating line on the inside. The bird is perched on a base made to resemble a smoothed rock which has an early crisp oval brand, consistent with the quality of the work.

This early work stands out among the maker’s standing terns. Indeed, it caught the eye of the early and influential Americana authority Nina Fletcher Little (1903-1993), who acquired it for her own collection. From there it was retained by her son in his collection.

While terns were never considered a delicacy, they were shot in great numbers because their beautiful feathers fetched high prices due to the robust millinery trade. The 1897 passage of a Massachusetts law prohibiting the sale of plumes was a monumental first step in the conservation of avian species in America. Excellent original paint with light wear, very minor touch-up to small crack in tip of wing on right side, 2/3 bill replacement.

Provenance: Nina Fletcher Little Collection Warren M. Little Collection, by descent from the above Private Collection, acquired from the estate of the above

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 199, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Nina Fletcher Little Collection Warren M. Little Collection, by descent from the above Private Collection, acquired from the estate of the above