American Egret
c. 1900
45 in. tall and bird is 26 in. long

This silhouette was carved from a three-quarter-inch board and could be made to represent and egret, stork, or crane. It has a lively weathered surface from substantial exposure as a confidence decoy or a outdoor decorative, or perhaps both. This carving relates to the Mackey-Colio egret and its mate in the Shelburne Museum.
Original paint with moderate wear, a tail chip, some age lines, and appealing craquelure.

Provenance: Private Collection, New York

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., “American Bird Decoys,” New York, 1965, pl. 36, related carving illustrated.Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 83, related carving illustrated.

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