Copley Fine Art Auctions Features McCleery Eider Decoy and Alexander Pope Jr. Canvas in Upcoming Two-Day Sporting Sale

Copley Fine Art Auctions’ upcoming two-day Sporting Sale will offer a McCleery Eider decoy. The appearance of this decoy shows off its smooth-flowing lines and stylized abstract paint. The carved bird has a broad body accentuated with a plumage pattern. Detailed features include a drawn-back head, incised carving around the bill, black patches on the head, and a sharp chine along its crown. Regarding this piece, the auction house states: “The form, paint, and condition of this decoy are peerless. This iconic decoy was first collected by Dr. James M. McCleery, who was among the greatest of decoy connoisseurs from any generation. Since its discovery, it has transfixed collectors and writers.”

Also available is an oil on canvas by Alexander Pope Jr. (1849 – 1924), an American sporting artist. Titled Springer with Pheasant, the composition features a proud dog with its colorful quarry. Pope often chose fishing and hunting as subjects for his sculptures and paintings. A self-taught artist, he was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He briefly studied sculpture with the renowned artist William Copley. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog for The Sporting Sale 2023, register to bid online on Bidsquare, and browse other online auctions.