Nathan Rowley Horner Canada Goose

Nathan Rowley Horner (1882-1942) West Creek, NJ, c. 1920 24 in. long

"He was much less prolific than Shourds, but his duck, brant, and goose decoys are among the most refined made on the New Jersey shore, with spare, elegant lines and subtly blended paint." — Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America"

One of New Jersey’s finest makers, Horner captured the elegance of a swimming goose with this carving. This forward-reaching decoy exhibits schooner-like construction, hollowed to a feather-light state. Original paint with even gunning wear. Some minor restoration to tip of bill and to right edge of tail, and touch-up to neck cracks.

Provenance: Linda Johnson Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Sporting Sale 2006," July 26 & 27, 2006, p. 86, lot 172, exact carving illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, pp. 96-97, pl. 192, related examples illustrated. Jeff Waingrow, “American Wildfowl Decoys,” New York, NY, 1985, p. 39, related example illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 60, related example illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 187 (top bird), exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Linda Johnson Collection