Miniature Flying Ring-billed Gull
Russ P. Burr (1887-1955)
Hingham, MA, c. 1930
10.5” tall on scene 6" wingspan
It's accurately described in Joseph Ellis' book Birds in Wood and Paint, "It is fair to say that Burr's painting executuion fell short of the painting done by many other carvers... However, this is more than made up for by the exciting postures and movement he achieved in his subjects". A succesfull carver and ardent sportsmen, he sold his miniatures through his home and stores like Abercrombie & Fitch in NYC with the main goal to be able to fund a few hunting trips north to Maine & New Hampshire each year.
Soaring atop a perfectly situated piece of driftwood with outstretched wings glaring down for its next meal as if it about to swoop out of the sky. Sculpturally Burr hits a home run with perfectly curved wings, a fanned out tail, and eye contact with the target below. The topside of the fanned out wings have relief carved step down feathers with incised lines to delineate individual feathers. The top of the tail is handled in a similar manner. The undersides of the fanned out wings are in a way more complex than the top side. Two small carved feet are attached to the body under the tail. Russ also hits the finner details with a formed bill and notched in cuts above painted eyes.
The underside bears his ink makers stamp. The Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT holds a significant collection of his work.
Condition: Entirely original in very good condition with minimal wear
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$750.00Price
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