Elmer Crowell Exceptional Black-bellied Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 10 in. long

An early shorebird mantel carving displaying some of the Harwich master's finest blended plumage. A showing of the maker's attention to detail in this work is the hint of auricular feather paint detail surrounding the eye. This subtle identifier of the maker's best work was first pointed out by Crowell scholar Gigi Hopkins.

The plover, exhibiting a split tail and anatomically accurate bill carving, is mounted on a detailed carved and painted base with Crowell's early oval brand on the bottom. Excellent original paint with light wear, some minor sap along breast, tip of one toe is missing.

Provenance: Private Collection, Mount Desert Island, Maine Thomas and Nancy Hennessey Collection, acquired from the above Private Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 218, 219, related plover illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Mount Desert Island, Maine Thomas and Nancy Hennessey Collection, acquired from the above Private Collection