Charlie Russell's historic painting, "Buffalo Hunt #7," takes center stage at The Russell live auction.
The acclaimed Charles M. Russell painting, “Buffalo Hunt #7,” has been selected to lead to the Live Auction on March 17 for The Russell: An Exhibition and Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum.
The event is the cornerstone of Western Art Week in Great Falls.
“Buffalo Hunt #7” represents an important step forward in Russell’s studied and steadily improving depiction of a buffalo hunt. The artist’s portrayal of the hunter in the foreground is strong and effective with the paint horse and brightly colored beaded scabbard and quiver drawing the viewer’s eye to the center of the action. The painting also reflects his progression as an artist, as he achieved a greater sense of depth in this image than previous depictions of buffalo hunting scenes.
Important watercolors by Russell, such as “Assiniboine War Party,” will also be offered for sale at the Live Auction. Watercolors comprised about one-third of the famed artist’s oeuvre, or roughly 1,100 works of art. Additionally, three bronzes by Russell, “Spirit of Winter,” “A Bronc Twister,” and “Nature’s Cattle,” will be included in the sale on Saturday evening. All of these pieces are already drawing interest among western art enthusiasts across the country.
“Rooted in common interests, forged in friendships, and wrapped in excitement, the Russell auction has endured for five decades as generations have gathered in an annual celebration of Charlie and his multi-dimensional legacy,” said Tom Figarelle, executive director of the C.M. Russell Museum.
With the 50th auction just a few weeks away, he thanked “the community of Great Falls as well as the thousands of artists, patrons, and art collectors who have joined us over the years in support of the museum,”
Taking place March 15-17, 2018 in Great Falls, Montana, The Russell Exhibition and Sale delivers a wide range of acquisition opportunities for the western art collector, with each event offering an authentic experience. For the experienced collector of western art, the live auction features well-established contemporary art plus significant historical works in a competitive bidding atmosphere.
Auction works are currently on display at the museum and online. For more information on The Russell 2018, visit www.cmrussell.org.