Elmer Crowell Preening Jack Curlew

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 A stunning life-size mantle carving by Crowell exhibiting a rare side-preening posture. The head and bill gracefully parallel the body with the tip of the bill almost touching its flank. The bird's anatomically-correct posture is reflected in the staggered stance of the legs and canted body and tail. The sculpted dark-brown wooden base gradually lightens at the high points, as though reflecting the light of the day. On the bottom, "Jack" is written in Crowell’s penciled script and his rectangular stamp is evenly impressed. Original paint with very faint craquelure and warm patina, original blemish in wood on left side and a minute chip to very end of wing tip.

Provenance: Private Collection

Literature: Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A. E. Crowell & Son," Sandwich, MA, 1992, p. 25, figure 26, similar bird illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection