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Whistling swan decoy
1880–1900
Object Place: Probably Currituck County, North Carolina
Medium/Technique
Painted wood (cedar)
Dimensions
58.1 x 90.8 cm (22 7/8 x 35 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Maxim Karolik
Accession Number58.1158
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSculpture
Although Karolik initially focused on paintings and drawings, his curatorial partner at the MFA, Henry P. Rossiter, encouraged him to pursue sculptural forms as well, starting with decoys. Inspired by a 1952 article, Rossiter and Karolik enlisted its author, Dr. George Ross Starr, Jr., to help them build an impressive decoy collection. Starr discovered this elegant swan in 1955, on display at the Swan Island Club in Currituck Sound, North Carolina.
DescriptionWhite body with black bill and moveable neck.
Marks
Branded on underside "WILLIAMS"
ProvenanceAcquired by Maxim Karolik through Dr. George R. Starr, Jr. (Duxbury). Gift of Maxim Karolik to the MFA in 1958.