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THBOutstanding Ruffed Grouse, Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984)
About Seller
20 Winter Street
Pembroke, MA 02359
United States
Founded in 2005, Copley Fine Art Auctions is a boutique auction house specializing in antique decoys and American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Over the course of the last two decades, the firm has set auction records for not only individual decoy makers, but also entire carving regions. Copley...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJul 9, 2021
Lots 1-246 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (246)
- Lot Description
Outstanding Ruffed Grouse
Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984)
Crisfield, MD, 1968
14 in. tall, 14 in. long
"The bird is majestically presented in all its natural beauty. The detail carving such as the tail feathers is spectacular. The rich feather paint in warm earth tones illustrates the bird's natural beauty particularly in the delicate barred breast area. This is indeed a very handsome work of art." ? Ron Gard and Brian McGrath, "The Ward Brothers Decoys: A Collector's Guide"
A very well-executed ruffed grouse in full strut with raised wings and a fanned tail. Lem used this grand canvas to showcase the height of his decorative painting abilities through the species' elaborate plumage. This is one of only a handful known to have been made by Lem, with this possibly being the finest. A similar work is held in the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland. Incredibly, this accurately carved upland bird is crafted from a single piece of wood.
Attesting to its rarity, this exact carving was the only upland work selected in "The Ward Brothers Decoys: A Collector's Guide," by authors Ron Gard and Brian McGrath. Additionally, this exact decoy was also selected by the maker's daughter, Ida Ward, for her book titled "The Story of Lem Ward."
The top of the burl base is signed and inscribed by the maker "Made for my personal friend Dr. Morty Kramer. Lem Ward 1968."
Not only is this one of the finest decorative carvings by the Wards, it is also one of the best grouse carvings by any maker.
In excellent original paint, with minor shallow ding on back, slight age line on left foot, and a paint flake to crest.
Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired from the artist
Herb Wetanson Collection, acquired 2009
Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 123 and 127, exact decoy discussed and illustrated. Ida Ward Linton and Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," Westchester, PA, 1984. p. 111, exact bird illustrated.Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.Condition
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Copley Fine Art Auctions does not handle the shipping of any items. Shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Once your payment has cleared, and we have received your authorized shipping release form items may be released for shipment. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyers should allow up to four weeks for shipment. Please be aware that internet bidders may NOT not pick up their items at the sale. Items will be available for pick up by appointment or by shippers five days after the sale.
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