Sculpted Wood Swan
This swan is sculpted from wood and painted white. The front of the carving has detail that includes feathers to toes. It measures 24 inches high, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. There are nicks to the paint and there is a a spot where a piecce of paint and wood have chipped off. But it is still a graceful piece that presents well. It looks like it was hand crafted.
unknown,purchased at estate sale.
Gallery/Dealer
Yes
Hi Rhonda,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A carved and white-painted pine swan-form architectural finial
Probably American, circa 1900
In the form of a standing swan, its wings partly folded.
24 inches high, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches deep
CONDITION: minor losses to carving and paint decoration
PROVENANCE: acquired at an estate sale
$200-300*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
I'm well, Rhonda, thanks for asking and I hope you are as well!
I think the price on the owl is exaggerated. It's probably an optimistic retail price they hope they can find a buyer at.
The fact that the bottom is unpainted and rough suggests that it was meant to stand on something (fence post, doorway arch, roofline...)
I don't see this in an interior. It's not uncommon for wooden architectural elements to be painted - often there is a layer of "sizing" or something similar that protects the wood from water, and layers of paint were often added on top of things to keep them looking fresh...this has that thickly-applied paint look to me.
I'm really hesitant to up the value on this - it's not quite folky enough to appeal to the folk art market .
Do let me know if you have more questions; I'm here to help!
And...have a happy Easter/Passover etc holiday week!
Hello Delia:
How are you? Thank you for the information.
Just writing to ask if you would consider this owl finial which is new, to be a comparable for price to the swan, which has age and character. I thought this was a garden ornament, but wondered how that could be the case since wood and water might be an issue. Please share any ideas about how this might have been used. A church? It is very heavy, is that why you say pine? And finally, underneath, is it the notches on either side that let us know this was attached to some sort of building or column?
I hope that is not too many questions. As always, thank you.
Rhonda