The Earnest Guennol Dropped-Wing Sandpiper, A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)

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The Winter Sale 2019

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Feb 16, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-02-16 10:00:00 2019-02-16 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Winter Sale 2019 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-winter-sale-2019-3820
The sale will offer the opportunity to view and take home world-class paintings and fine bird carvings. Featuring selections from the collections of Alfred Ely, L. H. LaMonte, Grant Nelson, Ronald S. Swanson, Herb Wetanson, and a descendant of Chester F. Spear among others. Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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• Lot Description
  The Earnest Guennol Dropped-Wing Sandpiper
  A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
  East Harwich, MA, c. 1900
  8 in. long
  
  This decoy hails from the extraordinary Guennol Collection, built by Alastair B. Martin. The Guennol Collection, named for the Welsh translation of Martin, was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1969. Martin acquired this decoy directly from Adele Earnest who subsequently cataloged Martin’s decoys for The Met’s two-volume publication on the Guennol Collection.
  
  “The aim of the Guennol Collection,” writes Earnest, “has not been to search out representative examples of the many categories of folk art but to hunt for superior objects that captivate the heart as well as the eye. Choices have focused on sculptural, three-dimensional carvings in wood.”
  
  She describes this “rare gem” as having come “from Crowell’s best early period. Carved from one piece of wood, each contour conveys the softness of a live bird. The head is raised and gently turned. The wing tips are free, lightly grooved and serrated…”
  
  This decoy was made with the features and detail found in Crowell’s rare and coveted “dust jacket” model shorebirds. The maker individually carved the primary feathers, turned and cocked the head, and applied highly intricate blended feather paint. While nearly all of his best shorebirds have lifted wing tips that come to a point, this bird is one of the very few that exhibits the added feature of dropped wings.
  
  Only a handful of life-size decoys in original paint are known to display this delicate addition, as they were time consuming to create and broke with use. One full-size comparable is a rigmate sandpiper that resides in the Alan and Elaine Haid Collection. Another is the incomparable Harry V. Long rig calling yellowlegs, dated 1910, which displays the only open bill seen in his working birds. Original paint with light gunning wear, one wing tip is reset, and minor chips to the wing tips. Old filler in two holes in underside. Reset bill tip with touch-up.
  
  Provenance: Adele Earnest Collection
  Alastair Bradley Martin, The Guennol Collection, acquired from the above
  Herb Wetanson Collection
  
  Literature: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The Guennol Collection: Volume II" New York, NY, 1982, pp. 263-265, exact decoy illustrated.
  Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, "The Harry V. Long Collection of A. Elmer Crowell Decoys, The Sporting Sale," Boston, MA, 2009, lot 64, pp. 24, 73 and cover, calling yellowlegs illustrated.
  Alan G. Haid and Brandy S. Culp, "The Allure of the Decoy," Charleston, SC, 2013, p. 26, rigmate illustrated.
  Stephen B. O'Brien, Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, exact bird illustrated.

  Condition

  Condition report requests can be made via email or by telephone (info@copleyart.com or 617.536.0030). 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.
• Shipping Info

  • Shipping info

    Copley Fine Art Auctions does not handle the shipping of any items. Shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Once your payment has cleared, and we have received your authorized shipping release form items may be released for shipment. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyers should allow up to four weeks for shipment.
     
    Please be aware that internet bidders may NOT not pick up their items at the sale. Items will be available for pick up by appointment or by shippers five days after the sale.