Lloyd Johnson Mackey Johnson Wood Duck Pair

Lloyd Johnson (1910-1965) Bay Head, NJ, c. 1950 14 in. long

This early and exceptional pair of summer ducks have dynamic head positions, extensive carved wing and tail detail, hollow bodies, and very fine paint. An elusive and often solitary species in the wild, wood duck pairs are rarely found on the mantel. Only twenty-five years from reaching their unofficial antique status, this pair represents not only two of the earliest, but two of Johnson's greatest works. Original paint, never rigged, with even wear, some crazing with minimal minor spot darkening on heads. Drake has shallow ding on back of crown.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 21 and pl. 356, later pair illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above