Copley Fine Art Auctions Presents Two-Day Sale of American Sporting and Wildlife Art, Antique Decoys, Fishing Collectibles, and More

In its first sale of 2024, Copley Fine Art Auctions will present a wide selection of fine 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, etchings, carvings, folk art, and more. Leading the first day of the auction is a painting by Aiden Lassell Ripley titled Winter Deer Hunting. An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Ripley tailored his painting style and themes to meet his interests, becoming one of America’s leading sporting artists. Due to his use of plein-air painting and drawing in the landscape he adored, Ripley’s work gives a fresh and spontaneous effect. The available watercolor painting depicts a deer hunting scene. The hunter is seen wearing snowshoes as he shoots at a leaping buck in this wintery landscape. Other notable works by the artist in the catalog include a graphite on paper work titled Grouse on Pine Bough and a watercolor painting titled Pheasant Swale (study).

The second day of this sale particularly highlights collectibles and sporting art. Among the top lots is a miniature redhead drake by A. Elmer Crowell. A famous decoy maker and bird carver, Elmer Crowell of East Harwich, Massachusetts made some of the finest decoys in history. The available carving bears a rectangular maker’s stamp, along with the bird’s species identification and the title “Reddy.” Bidders can also consider a rare miniature great horned owl by Wendell Gilley, a 1926 etching by Carl Rungius, and a bronze work by Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez titled Humpback Whale and Calf. Visit Bidsquare to view the complete The Winter Sale 2024, Day 1 catalog and browse other online auctions.