John Dilley Ruddy Turnstone

John Dilley Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 The McCleery Dilley Turnstone

Regarding the rig of six Dilley shorebirds that he first acquired, William J. Mackey, Jr. recounted in "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings,": "These decoys had real class and were envied by fellow collectors such as Joel Barber and Edgar Burke, who left my house walking on air because I had given them each a snipe."

Along with Lothrop Holmes, perhaps no other known maker created a ruddy turnstone with greater appeal. When referring to Dilley shorebirds in "American Bird Decoys," Mackey states, “There is no question that the detailed, stylized painting is unsurpassed. They are beautiful examples from the hand of a fastidious workman.” Starting with clean lines and a solid form, Dilley applied some of the finest representations of plumage ever demonstrated. Using a two-tiered paint technique, he was able to imply detail without carving or painting every feather. This turnstone with carved raised wings, in bright breeding plumage, exhibits the pinnacle of his abilities. Its bright color and high contrast set it apart from other Dilleys. The top Dilley in the McCleery auction, many also consider this the finest Dilley known to exist. Stamped "McCleery" on the underside. Original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Dr. James McCleery Collection Private Collection

Literature: Joe Engers, ed., "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," San Diego, CA, 1990, p. 108, exact decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," NY, NY, 2010, p.181, exact bird illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette & Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, lot 410, exact decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 41, exact shorebird illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," NY, NY, 1965, p. 66, similar bird illustrated Timothy Sieger, "The Decoys of Long Island," Water Mills, NY, 2010, p. 46, similar example illustrated. Alan G. Haid and Brandy S. Culp, "The Allure of the Decoy," Charleston, SC, 2013, p. 35, similar decoy illustrated. Joe French, "The Dilley Shorebirds," Lewes, DE, Decoy Magazine, 1994, pp. 8-11, related examples illustrated. Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, plate 7.

Provenance

Dr. James McCleery Collection Private Collection