65 Sharp Street
Hingham, MA 02043
United States
Copley Fine Art Auctions is the world's leading American sporting art auction company. Located in Hingham, MA, Copley specializes in antique decoys and 19th- and 20th-century American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Principal Stephen O'Brien Jr., a fourth-generation sportsman with a refined colle...Read more
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Jul 12, 2024
Preening Mallard Hen
Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963)
Henry, IL, c. 1930
14 1/2 in. long
“Of his many styles, Perdew is most revered for his masterful sleepers and preening decoys. Both Robert Elliston and Charles Perdew felt that the presence of sleepers and preeners added a suggested calm to the rig that was more enticing to waterfowl. Whether this actually made any difference to the circling birds is subject to debate; however, the graceful pose inherent in these styles is desirable among collectors.” —Stephen O’Brien Jr. & Julie Carlson, “Masterworks of the Illinois River”
This recently discovered preener shows the Perdews' most coveted model with an arching neck. This exceptional preening mallard hen has all the traits one looks for in an Illinois River decoy, including elegant form, paint by Edna Perdew, and fine craftsmanship.
Original paint with moderate gunning wear, some minor old working fill at neck seam, and several shot marks on left side.
Literature: Stephen O'Brien and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 63-81, related examples illustrated and discussed. Ann Tandy Lacy, "Perdew: An Illinois River Tradition," Muncie, IN, 1993, front dust-jacket cover, related example illustrated.
Please refer to the description; if you have questions, email colin@copleyart.com.
Shipping info
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