Elmer Crowell Reaching Greater Yellowlegs

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1920 13 in. long

An elegant carving of the larger of the two yellowlegs species in a reaching posture. This grand mantle carving exhibits Crowell’s expertly blended “wet-on-wet” dry brush feathering from tip to tail. The body displays exceptional detail including concave shoulder carving, and incising that continues from the split wing tips up along the sides. The pattern for this mantle carving was taken directly from a gunning decoy pattern.

The bird is mounted on long wire legs and a traditional carved "stone" base. The underside of the base displays the maker's oval brand. In excellent original paint with minor touch-up and some minor crazing.

Provenance: Private Collection, Connecticut

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 197, similar carving illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Connecticut