Keith Mueller (b. 1956) Killingworth, CT c.1997 Drake 16.5" | Hen 20.75" Animated pair of hollow carved redbreasted mergansers. Both having matte finish vibrant surfaces with soft texturing. Both have carved bills, crests, and glass eyes. The drakes wing tips are more pronounced with the left wing the drake is peering off over being slightly elevated. Made for use on the water with both decoys being tapped for a keel. Referred too as 'Shootin Stool' models' on the underside they are also signed and dated May 1997. 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: Excellent and original Provenance: Private Collection NY Bill Huebbe Collection