A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1915
8 1/2 in. tall

Measuring thirteen inches from tip of bill to end of tail, this greater yellowlegs exhibits the maker's finest paint details and his best wet-on-wet technique. The special flourish of rarely seen auricular feathers have been neatly blended under each eye. This lavish treatment is only seen in a small number of his premier early decoratives. The breast, sides, and flanks are finished with early pure white feathering strokes which retain their impasto for a lively effect. A fine section of blended paint between the nape and the coverts is another impressive detail not often seen.

As Crowell's Harwich neighbor Dorothea Setzer observes, he was masterful at using the base to place his decorative shorebirds in their appropriate setting. In this example, the yellowlegs strides atop an exceptionally well-carved and painted clamshell, which imbues the bird with a sense of the maker's native Cape Cod. The coveted oval hot brand is found on the underside of the base.

This is one of the Harwich artisan's finest yellowlegs carvings. A closely related example was displayed in the Songless Aviary exhibition and now can been seen in the 2019 Crowell book as part of The Thomas M. Evans Jr. Collection.

“...he carved and painted sea and fresh water clam shells, quahog and scallop shells, and rocks so realistically that one could scarcely believe that they are not the genuine article.” – Dorothea Setzer, “A Cape Cod Artisan,” Cape Cod Compass, 1951
Overall outstanding untouched condition with excellent original paint and wear to bill, wing, and tail tips. Some typical flaking to leg putty.

Provenance: Private Collection, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, acquired from the artist
Rich Merrill Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 197, closely related example illustrated, p. 229, plover with auricular detail illustrated, p. 189 and inside back boards, curlew with auricular detail illustrated. Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A. E. Crowell & Son," Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 77, closely related carving illustrated.Copley Fine Art Auctions, LCC, "The Winter Sale 2018," Charleston, SC, February 16, 2018, p. 108, lot 191, closely related decoy illustrated.Rob Moir and Jackson Parker, "Massachusetts Waterfowl Decoys," The Magazine Antiques, September 1989, p. 525, pl. XV, closely related example illustrated.

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