Ward Brothers Sunbathing Wigeon

Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984) Crisfield, MD, 1968 14 1/2 in. long

This singular decorative work is titled "Sunbathing" and is among Lem's most ambitious decorative carvings. The preening pose has two raised wings with carved feather detail. Lem was a legendary feather painter and his brushwork is on full display across the entire bird, with special attention paid to the tight vermiculation on the back and scapulars. The burl base is signed, titled, and dated by the artist. Excellent original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Grobaker Collection Michael Boxer Collection

Literature: Byron Cheever, "Ward Bros.," Heber City, UT, 1966, color plate 15, and pl. 61, exact carving illustrated twice. Glenn Lawson and Ida Ward Linton, "The Story of Lem Ward," Exton, PA 1984, p. 71, related "sunbathing" teal illustrated.

Provenance

Grobaker Collection Michael Boxer Collection