Elisha Burr Running Black Bellied Plover

Elisha Burr (1839-1909) Hingham, MA, c. 1880 11 1/2 in. long

Burr’s best reaching plover, including this one from the Elaine and Alan Haid Collection, have been held in high regard by the top collectors for generations with related examples acquired by William J. Mackey Jr., Dr. James M. McCleery, and Donal C. O’Brien Jr.

A master at capturing the postures of live birds, many of Elisha Burr's works were carved in animated poses with complex wing and tail treatments as seen in this darting model. This dynamic example also showcases the artist's best paint with lively, yet deliberate, feathering laid on a softly blended back. Glass eyes are set under crisp brows. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear, patch of fill with restoration around stick hole.

Provenance: Alan Haid Collection Private Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 88, pl. 69, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Alan Haid Collection Private Collection