The Underwood Wing-Up Greater Yellowlegs
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1930
12 in. tall

The preening posture presents an exceptionally difficult challenge for any maker. Crowell was a master of preening forms, and he used this special wing-up model to showcase his deft painting abilities. He seems to thrive within the self-presented challenge of doubling the size of his canvas and adding two different plumage presentations, one on each side of the wing.Crowell's wing-up examples with his best paint are rare and highly sought after. To wit, a closely related wing-up greater yellowlegs with similar paint treatment reached over $80,000 at Copley's Sporting Sale 2022. This grand wing-up mantel bird has a dropped left wing tip and a slightly open bill which is preening an individual feather. The maker's rectangular stamp is on the underside of the base. The base is also inscribed "Mrs. Underwood, Chatham" for the original owner, Mrs. Emily Underwood, the wife of Mr. Loring Underwood (1874-1930).Mr. Underwood was a Harvard man and an accomplished landscape architect remembered for the insights he shared on revealing hidden beauty in our environment. Perhaps his best revelation was as one of "The Three Bears," a trio who were early employers and patrons of Elmer Crowell. While Underwood has been known as a key player in the development of Crowell as a waterfowling legend, this rare wing-up greater yellowlegs carving adds color to the Underwood story. Indeed, it appears to be the first Underwood Collection Crowell carving to have surfaced for the collecting public.
Excellent original paint with light wear and some tight craquelure mostly to endgrain on breast. Loss to left rear toe.

Provenance: Loring and Emily Underwood Collection, acquired from the artistPrivate Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 147, related Evans Collection curlew example illustrated, p. 234, Harry V. Long's "dream" example illustrated.

Please refer to the description; if you have additional questions, email colin@copleyart.com.