Elmer Crowell Rare Flying Scoter

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 21 1/2 in. long and 30 in. wingspan

An exceedingly rare life-size flying surf scoter. This may be Crowell's best representation of any scoter. It appears to be the first Crowell life-size flying sea duck to surface on the market in over a quarter century. The carving is led by highly refined head carving and flanked by complex curved wings with scalloped edges. The tail is finished with incised feathering. Blended feathering was applied from head to tail. As he did with his more common puddle ducks, terns, and shorebirds, the artist used the open wings to showcase his unmatched skill in painting plumage. The backside retains a screw eye for hanging on a wall. Original paint with light wear, two minor chips to back edge of lower wing tip, and loss of feet.

Provenance: Private Collection, Cape Cod

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2018, p. 254, scoter decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Cape Cod