Charles Sumner Bunn Dowitcher

Charles Sumner Bunn (1865-1952) Shinnecock, NY or William "Bill" Bowman (1824-1906) Bangor, ME and Lawrence, NY, c. 1900 9 in. long

In 1971, Milton Weiler’s “Classic Shorebird Decoys” portfolio was published with text by William J. Mackey Jr. Across from Weiler’s Plate No. 3, illustrating related shorebirds, Mackey writes: “In hand, Bowman’s decoys have the feel of real birds. His knowledge and study of the live bird and his skill with a knife transferred the feel of the wishbone, the unfolded wings and the modeling of the bone structure to blocks of wood. His was a unique talent not given to any other decoy maker.” Mackey also states, “nothing finer has been found ever since.”

One of the finest examples of this species known to exist, the carver’s best work can be seen here. A closely related Herrick-Ward yellowlegs with Herrick-Ward provenance was featured on the front cover of Copley’s Winter Sale 2017 catalog. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear including minor chips and rubs to wing tips and tail.

Provenance: Private Collection, Texas Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Winter Sale 2017," February 17, front cover and lot 237, Herrick-Ward yellowlegs illustrated. The Ward Museum, "The Decoys of Long Island," Salisbury, MD, 2010, p. 39, related example illustrated. Frank Schmidt and Gary Guyette, "The Art of Deception: Waterfowl Decoys from the Collection of Paul Tudor Jones II," St. Michaels, MD, 2006, p. 57, related decoys illustrated. Joel Barber, "Wild Fowl Decoys," New York, NY, 1954, p. 79, related example illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 37, related examples illustrated. George Reiger, “Floaters and Stick-Ups,” Boston, MA, 1986, p. 171, related dowitcher illustrated. Paul A. Johnsgard, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 161, Herrick-Ward yellowlegs illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Texas Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above