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Exceptional 23-inch Quebec carved and painted Snow Goose working decoy, attributed to André Brosseau / Brousseau of St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec.
A superb piece of Canadian folk art with extraordinary presence. This large working goose has the beautifully elongated form, elegant upright neck and wonderfully understated carving associated with the finest Quebec decoys of the mid-20th century.
What makes this example especially appealing is its remarkable untouched surface. The bird retains its original dry working paint, with beautifully worn cream-white coloration, warm reddish facial and bill tones, and surviving dark wing/tail accents. The natural wear and patina are exactly what collectors hope to find in an authentic working decoy.
The head and neck are particularly striking, with dense hand-worked rasp/incised texture, a beautifully modeled head, original-style glass eyes, and a delicately carved bill. The long graceful neck rises dramatically from the broad, low body, giving the decoy an unusually sculptural silhouette.
The underside retains its rectangular working weight, further emphasizing that this was made and used as a genuine hunting decoy rather than as a decorative carving.
The form, approximately 23-inch scale, Snow Goose coloration, glass eyes, head treatment, neck profile and overall construction compare closely with documented Quebec Snow Goose decoys attributed to André Brosseau/Brousseau, whose name appears with several spelling variations in the decoy literature and sale market.
Measurements: approximately 23 inches long.
Condition: Excellent authentic working condition with expected wear, rubbing, losses and surface abrasions consistent with age and actual field use. Original paint throughout. Please study the photographs carefully, as the remarkable untouched surface is an important part of this decoy’s character and desirability.
A rare, highly decorative and genuinely compelling Quebec folk-art decoy with tremendous character. Equally suited to an advanced decoy collection, Canadian folk-art collection, sporting-art interior or Americana collection.
Offered as attributed to André Brosseau/Brousseau based upon stylistic comparison; no signature or maker’s mark has been identified.
