Charles Marion Russell

Charles Marion Russell, born on March 19, 1864, was a prominent American artist celebrated for his vivid depictions of the American Old West. Known affectionately as C. M. Russell, Charlie Russell, and "Kid" Russell, he dedicated his life to capturing the essence of cowboys, Native Americans, and the breathtaking landscapes of the western United States and Alberta, Canada. Over his prolific career, he created more than 2,000 paintings and numerous bronze sculptures, earning him the title of "the cowboy artist."

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Russell was a gifted storyteller and author. He became a passionate advocate for Native American rights, notably supporting the Chippewa's efforts to establish a reservation in Montana. His advocacy bore fruit in 1916 when Congress passed legislation to create the Rocky Boy Reservation, a significant milestone in the fight for Native American land rights.

The C. M. Russell Museum Complex in Great Falls, Montana, stands as a testament to his legacy, housing over 2,000 of his artworks, personal belongings, and artifacts. Major collections of his work can also be found at the Montana Historical Society in Helena, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Sid Richardson Museum in Fort Worth. One of his notable works, the 1912 mural "Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross' Hole," is displayed in the House chambers of the Montana Capitol in Helena.

Russell's impact on the art world was further underscored when his 1918 painting "Piegans" sold for five million six hundred thousand dollars at a 2005 auction. In recognition of his contributions to Western art and culture, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1955. Charles Marion Russell passed away on October 24, 1926, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire artists and admirers alike.