Mark McNair Mcnair Rig Preening Black Duck

Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)   Craddockville, VA, 1981 15 in. long

“From his workshop on the eastern shore of Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay, McNair carves wooden waterfowl and shorebird decoys with a skill and attention that's been sculpted over half a century. This modern master of a uniquely American art has risen to the top of both the auction and museum spheres as the contemporary carver.” — Noah Davis, Modern Huntsman, Vol. 11

This preening example's underside bears an incised "McNair" signature and the notation "From my personal rig - Winter 1980-81." This refined gunning decoy exhibits a knife-carved finish and extensive feather paint. After serving in the maker's rig, it went to the collection of his father. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Mark McNair Rig Robert McNair Collection Private Collection

Provenance

Mark McNair Rig Robert McNair Collection Private Collection