Joseph Lincoln Exceptional Black Duck

Joseph W. Lincoln (1859-1938) Accord, MA, c. 1920 16 3/4 in. long

“Lincoln was a laconic man, a consummate Yankee craftsman whose solid-bodied decoys are reflections of their maker’s personality—direct and spare, with not a gesture wasted. Their clean, crisp lines and reductively abstract paint patterns capture the essentials of each species’ form and plumage with remarkable integrity and economy of means.” - Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America"

This classic Lincoln black duck displays a sharp flared bill, a beautifully s-shaped carved head and breast that flows into delineated shoulder carving towards its perfectly rounded tail. The paint is notable for its tight stippling on the head and the double-white trim around the speculum. Though measuring almost seven inches wide, this example reveals no check or crack typically seen in Lincoln's work. This is one of the finest Lincoln black ducks to ever come on the market. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear including some shot and rub to tail edge.

Provenance: Dale W. Farrell Collection, acquired from Decoys Unlimited

Literature: Gary Guyette and Frank Schmidt, Inc., "Important Waterfowl Decoys & Bird Carvings at Auction, November 10 & 11, 1993,” Easton, MD, lot 376, exact decoy illustrated. Jeff Waingrow, “American Wildfowl Decoys,” New York, NY, 1985, p. 63, related example illustrated. John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1981, p. 98 (top bird), rigmate illustrated in color. Cap Vinal, "Joseph W. Lincoln," Rockland, MA, 2002, pp. 30-33, related examples illustrated. Rob Moir and Jackson Parker, "Massachusetts Waterfowl Decoys," The Magazine Antiques, September 1989, p. 521, pl. VIII, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Dale W. Farrell Collection, acquired from Decoys Unlimited