Lynn Bogue Hunt (1878-1960)
The DuPont Infallible Mallards, c. 1909
signed "Lynn Bogue Hunt" lower center
oil on board, 29 by 22 in.

"Of all the ducks, the mallard is the best known and the most widely distributed. He is the "wild duck" of England and for the sportsman undoubtedly the most familiar duck in the world." - Van Campen Heilner, "Our American Game Birds"

Commissioned by the DuPont Powder Company, this outstanding mallard painting served as an advertisement for its "Infallible" smokeless powder. Produced as a poster in 1909, it also appeared in Infallible brochures to promote their gunpowder and other products. Reproductions of this painting are sought after in their own right, with collectors paying thousands for the posters. Among Hunt's finest waterfowl depictions, these life-size mallards display finely detailed plumage as well as under-wing feathering.

Another closely related mallard painting by Hunt was also commissioned by DuPont and appeared as the dust-jacket illustration for Van Campen Heilner's "Our American Game Birds." The only notable distinction between the two works is that in this painting, the drake's bill is open rather than the hen's.

Literature: John Delph, "Firearms and Tackle Memorabilia," 1997, pp. 27 and 117, exact work illustrated as a poster and a brochure.
Ann Tandy Lacy, "Perdew: An Illinois Tradition," Muncie, IN, 1993, p. 103, exact work illustrated as a poster.
Donna Tonelli, "Top of the Line Hunting Collectibles," Atglen, PA, 1998, p. 219, exact work illustrated as a poster.
Van Campen Heilner, "Our American Game Birds," 1941, dust-jacket cover and p. 8, related mallard painting illustrated.

framed, 32 3/4 by 25 1/2 in.

Please email condition report requests to leah@copleyart.com.