Laurent Verdin Jr. - Life-size Great Horned Owl

Updated September 3, 2026

Laurent Verdin, Jr (1936-2019) Bayou Blue, LA 21" tall Referred to as the "Elmer Crowell of the Bayous" by Charles Frank for his imaginative decorative creations. A carver of French and Native American heritage coming from a lineage of Verdin carvers who used their decoys to sustain off the land. In a prior write up about his father we wrote, "A descendant of the local Houma Indian tribe, the Verdins lived with little regard for modern technologies, reportedly without electricity or running water. They relied on the land, sustaining themselves and earning income through trapping, hunting, and fishing." Decoys and carvings by the Verdins are held in prominent collections and museums across the country, including at one time President Ronald Reagans personal collection. Learning from his father, Laurent Sr, sandpaper was seldom used in the finishing. Rather birds were chip carved and any smoothing required beyond that was achieved with the use of oyster shells lending to the appealing folk art finish. The grand owl is carved from one piece of wood and painted boldly with vibrant paint in classic Verdin style. The wings are deeply carved and cross at the bottom of the lower back. The feet were relief carved out of the base with a beak protruding from the face. Acquired directly from the carver by Don.Condition: Very good and originalProvenance: Don Weaver Collection

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See all lots in Fall Feature Decoy & Sporting Art Auction 2026 →