Keith Mueller (b. 1956)
Killingworth, CT
11.75" long

Hollow-carved ornithological study of a Little Gull, personally used by Keith Mueller off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and signed by the maker on the underside. An ardent ornithologist as well as an accomplished carver, Mueller occasionally produced small rigs of less commonly encountered species, or species he held a curiosity with, to bring birds within photographic range, allowing him to live study and document their behavior in the field.

In MuellerÕs own notes accompanying this carving, he states that this exact decoy Òwas used extensively off the coast of Cape Cod, MassachusettsÓ as part of an Òornithological rig.Ó It's common name is Little Gull, and is painted in breeding plumage. A photograph included with this lot shows Mueller using this exact decoy in the field. The bird is signed around the underside of the decoy and has the makers brand in the middle bottom.

Mueller is a self-taught carver and painter who began carving professionally in the mid-1970s. Originally trained as an engineer and draftsman, Mueller developed his carving through extensive study of birds and their environments, including field research and photography on scientific expeditions. He has been named World Champion seven times, won more than 250 Best in Show awards, and has been honored as a Living Legend by the Ward Foundation.

Mueller is particularly recognized for his decorative bird carvings, often incorporating elaborate feather carving, habitat, and sculptural presentation. His decorative work has included life-size and miniature birds as well as elaborate multi-bird compositions, with examples exhibited at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, and the Governors Mansions of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Condition: Near mint with minor wear from use

Provenance:
Keith Mueller Collection