Archibald Thorburn (British, 1860-1935)
Woodcock, 1909
signed and dated "Archibald Thorburn 1909" lower left
watercolor, 10 1/2 by 14 1/2 in.
titled on The Crossroads of Sport, New York label on back

"Reposing under an autumn sun, a pair of woodcock while away the warm serenity of a woodland glade. Amidst withering bracken and briar they take their ease at the edge of the birch covert, dozing yet alert and comforted by the presence of the fallen tree stump in whose depths one bird hides." -John Southern referring to "Woodcock Glade" in "Thorburn's Landscape," London, England, 1981, plate XLII

In 1887, Thorburn was commissioned by Lord Lilford to create hundreds of watercolors for Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Isles. Throughout his career, he exhibited at the Royal Academy and select galleries in London. Thorburn was known for his lifelike scenes, derived from significant time in the field, observing and sketching birds in their natural habitats. An early conservationist, he was an active member and leader of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

This charming depiction of two woodcock is a classic Thorburn, with one of the birds organically walking out of the lush browns and greens of the forest floor setting and a pair of mushrooms to balance the scene. The second bird crouches its stocky body on the ground. .

This vibrant Thorburn watercolor relates very closely in size, color, and composition to one of the artist's most famous works, titled "Woodcock Glade," which was made into a limited-edition print published by Embleton in 1923. An interesting side note, the Cocker Spaniel derives its name from the woodcock, as it was bred to hunt the popular gamebird.

Provenance: Eddie Woodin Collection

Literature: Sotheby's London, "Works by Archibald Thorburn from the Thorburn Museum," 1993, p. 23, closely related work illustrated.

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