Henry Ruggles Rare Redhead Drake

Henry Ruggles (1830-1897) Henry, IL, c. 1880 14 1/4 in. long

Finding any Ruggles decoys in original paint has proven difficult for collectors, making this prime redhead example a highly collectible Illinois River masterwork.

An apprentice studio painter in St. Louis, Missouri, Ruggles was a talented portraiture and landscape artist. In Henry, he was also noted locally as a musician; in the summer months, he played violin, mandolin, and guitar for the pleasure of family and friends, including his neighbor and protégé, Charles Perdew.

This hollow decoy has full cheeks with gold rings around the tack eyes, and a long thin neck. The body is finished with incredible combed details and blended feathering that is reminiscent of Catherine Elliston's best work. The underside has what appears to be a "Y" brand. Original paint with gunning wear, including a hairline crack at right base of neck and a rub to body seam on left side.

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. 19, 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