Twenty years ago, Charles M. Russell was an unknown "range rider". Today he is the most famous artist of his type in the world. He is known as the "cowboy artist". He made his first reputation by painting the accompanying original picture. It tells an interesting story. Russell, in 1886, was in the employ of Stadler & Kaufman, large cattlemen. He had thousands of head in their cattle in his charge. During the winter of 1886 occurred one of the most severe snowstorms in Montana's history. Cattle and sheep died literally by the thousands. Stadler & Kaufman becoming alarmed, wrote Russell as to the condition of the stock in his charge. He did not write but with his brush drew a picture which told the whole story. It was the accompanying picture. The coyotes awaited the last victim of the storm. The picture became famous. It is the most noted of all of Russell's works
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Description
Location: average distance Identification: exact ground location unclear, appears unknowable No people present in picture
Type
image
Identifier
fritz_metcalf-7246
Subject
Paintings Livestock industry Range management Unknown
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