Soaring Tern, A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)

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The Sporting Sale 2019

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Jul 25, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-07-25 10:00:00 2019-07-25 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Sporting Sale 2019 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-sporting-sale-2019-4227
July 25 at 10 am | 550 lots Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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• Lot Description
  A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
  East Harwich, MA, c. 1900
  21 in. wingspan
  
  An extremely rare, life-size, flying tern carving. Measuring a full twenty-one inches from wing tip to wing tip, this curvaceous early work captures the aerial beauty of the species to perfection. This bird was carved approximately fifteen years prior to the passing of the 1918 Migratory Bird Act which would begin to stop the slaughter of these graceful birds whose feathers were used as fashion statements in ladies' hats. Crowell, like many people today, had an affinity for these expert hovering fishermen, creating this wooden homage to their beauty. It was Crowell's interpretive ability to capture the likeness of birds and waterfowl that defined him as one of America's greatest carvers.
  
  The anatomy of the bird is nearly flawless with a sharp "V" split tail, accurately carved inset feet and bill, and strong feather paint.
  
  In "A Sportsman's Scrapbook," Dr. John C. Phillips talks about Crowell's creations: "Elmer used to decorate Wenham Camp with all sorts of mythical looking birds, whittled out and suspended from the ceiling so that they revolved solemnly around if you blew a puff of smoke their way."
  
  This tern is among the largest, earliest, and finest by the maker to come on the market. In original paint with minor wear and gesso loss, some discoloration to top of wings, restoration to very tip of bill.
  
  Provenance: Dr. Oscar Warren Billingham, West Dennis and Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
  Private Collection, New Hampshire, by descent in the family
  Private Collection, Florida
  
  Literature: John Phillips, "A Sportman's Scrapbook," Boston, MA, 1928, p. 33.
  Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p.38, related example illustrated.
  Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Rare American Decoys and Bird Carvings," Hyannis, MA, July 22-23, 1975, cover, related carving illustrated.

  Condition

  Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.
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