Elmer Crowell Golden Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 A very early shorebird mantle carving with black glass eyes, finely stippled, lightly blended paint and a small carved notch delineating the primary wing feathers. Carved in a "walking" posture on a detailed rock base with Crowell's oval brand burned in the bottom. This decorative can be dated as a very early example by the crisp brand impression on the bottom of the base. The carved rock base has numerous contours and shows more elaborate paint detail than most of his bases. Crowell chose to paint this golden plover in non-breeding or juvenile plumage giving him twice the area to cover with his detailed feather painting. He also used an impasto technique leaving a deliberate textured surface that adds an extra dimension of intricacy to the sophisticated paint pattern. This distinct paint style can be seen sketched on a pattern pictured in “The Songless Aviary” by Brian Cullity, plate 105. Original paint with minor restoration to small area of one thigh and a few toes.

Provenance: Purchased directly from the artist Private Collection, by descent in the family to the current owner

Literature: Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary," Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 112.

Provenance

Purchased directly from the artist Private Collection, by descent in the family to the current owner