William J. Koelpin (1938-1996)
Winnebago Sleigh Ride, 1993
signed and dated "Wm. Koelpin '93" on base
bronze, 13 by 23 1/2 by 8 1/2 in.
inscribed "26 of 32" on lower front side edition 26 of 32
William Koelpin was an avid hunter and fisherman from Wisconsin. He went on to become a celebrated sporting artist who excelled in a number of mediums, including bronze, paint, and wood. Throughout his career, Koelpin displayed his passion for the outdoors in his accurate and detailed works. His first sold-out exhibit was at the Midwest Decoy Collectors' annual show in the mid-1970s.
Koelpin enjoyed many honors in his time, including the "Best in World" award from the Ward Museum in Salisbury, Maryland, and being named "One of America's Premier Artists" by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin.
"Winnebago Sleigh Ride," along with "Storm Warning," is considered among Koelpin's top duck hunting bronzes. They also reside atop the list of any bronze of this subject by any artist.
Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection
Condition
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