2015 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction / Lot 11439 / 290  •  View Catalog  •   • 

114
Charles M. Russell (1864 – 1926)
The Bath (1899)
watercolor on paper
11.75 × 15 inches
signed and dated lower left

The Bath is recorded in the C. M. Russell Catalogue Raisonné as reference number CR.UNL.41.

For Charles Russell, the time he spent with the Blood Indians in Canada came about somewhat by chance. He originally left Helena in early May, 1886 with cowboy friends Paul Weinard and Long Green. Weinard signed on with the Bar S ranch but according to Fred Renner, “Charlie and Long Green spent the summer loafing and visiting their numerous friends in the vicinity of High River. As they had no desire to spend the winter in Canada, when the first snow fell in September they headed back to Montana. Crossing the Blood Reserve they met a band of Indians and stopped for a visit. Black Eagle, the chief of the tribe, was an old friend, and Charlie decided to spend the winter in the”‘lodge of his red brothers.” Long Green apparently continued on south, while Charlie remained with the Indians until the following March.

“There is no doubt that this stay with the Blood Indians, unplanned though it was, gave Charlie the opportunity to acquire a vast store of firsthand knowledge about Indian life. The results of this six-months stay with the Bloods were to appear time and again in his future paintings.”

PROVENANCE
The Artist
Nancy Russell, Pasadena, CA
Dr. and Mrs. James Fitz Taylor, Sioux City, IA
Present owner, by descent

114

Charles M. Russell

1864 – 1926

The Bath (1899)
watercolor on paper
11.75 × 15 inches
signed and dated lower left
Sold at Auction: $152,100
Condition ReportAs viewed through glass, paper appears in excellent condition with bright colors. No signs of damage or repair.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.