Joseph Lincoln Canada Goose

Joseph W. Lincoln (1859-1938) Accord, MA, c. 1910 24 1/2 in. long

This Canada goose decoy displays Lincoln’s classic clean lines with an elongated paddle tail. Part of Lincoln's genius was his reductionism, which enabled him to capture the essence of the species without overworking the pattern. His signature feather paint was executed using a small paintbrush typically used for painting houses. He would cut out a section of the bristles, forming an elongated “C.” Then he would dip the end of the brush into the paint and strike the flanks of the bird in rapid succession, repeating the process the length of the bird. Ever the perfectionist, Lincoln carved elegant high heads for his decoys that give them a stately appearance. In addition to pleasing body forms, Lincoln added just the needed accents, including subtle bill carving. Original paint with gunning wear, craquelure to end grain, and a typical Lincoln check along the bottom.

Provenance: Private Collection, Florida

Literature: Cap Vinal, "Joseph W. Lincoln," Rockland, MA, 2002, p. 41, similar decoy illustrated. John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1990, pp. 136-137, similar decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Florida