Elmer Crowell Hudsonian Curlew

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1927 A rare and important Jack Curlew carving. This is the same curlew carving in the famous 1927 photograph of Elmer Crowell and his carvings, that appeared in an article about him, in the Boston Globe Sunday paper. That photographed is reproduced on page 24, of the Heritage Museum and Garden's exhibit book entitled, "The Songless Aviary" written by Brian Cullity. A life-size Whimbrel (its modern name) in an alert, upright, balanced stance with a slightly turned head is standing on a carved rock base with Crowell's oval brand signature on the bottom. "Jack" is handwritten, in pencil, on the bottom, as Jack Curlew and Hudsonian curlew were historical names for this species. The bird's paint is beautifully blended and is representative of the "Father of Modern Bird Carving" at the pinnacle of his career.

Outstanding original condition with soft, light patina, a very faint age line at the neck seam and minimal touch up to a few paint flakes on the back of the legs.

Literature: Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A.E. Crowell & Son," Sandwich, MA, 1992, p. 24, figure 25, exact bird illustrated.