Ptarmigan
Artist
Edward Marshall Boehm
(American, 1913 - 1969)
Manufacturer
Boehm Porcelain
(founded 1950)
Date1962
Mediumporcelain; bisque fired; hand-painted
Dimensions14 inches (35.6 cm)
Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965
Object number41.2.24.B
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
DescriptionPorcelain sculpture of male Willow Ptarmigan, part of a pair with female Willow Ptarmigan, 41.2.24.A. Birds in white winter plumage. Separate porcelain piece representing a rock, 41.2.24.C, can be inserted between the two birdsLabel TextFamily: Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
Scientific name: Lagopus lagopus (common name: Willow Ptarmigan)
The Ptarmigan is a species found in Canada and Alaska. In the summer the Ptarmigan have brown with red feathers. Boehm wanted to show them with their snowy white winter plumage. He was advised against depicting the winter white. An advisor felt that collectors would not purchase the white sculpture, because most people would have seen the bird only in the summer plumage. Boehm was determined to present the “miracle” of winter camouflage. He was proved right as the edition sold out by 1968.
ProvenancePurchased July 3, 1962 through (Neiman-Marcus, Dallas, Texas) by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art
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