William Doren Great Horned Owl

William Doren (1895-1965) Pekin, IL, c. 1948 18 in. tall

Leonard Doren is best known today for his great horned owl decoys, made with distinctive deeply cut features to the tufts, face, beak, and tail. Along with Hyatt and Herter’s factory, Doren’s owls are considered amongst the best decoys representing birds of prey. Overall excellent condition with original paint with light gunning wear and some black touch-up to ears and tail.

Provenance: Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 124, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005.

Provenance

Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection