54

VERSO
Label, J. J. Gillespie Company, Pittsburgh, PA
Label, C. M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT

According to the artist, “The noblest game of all - elk - bore a resemblance to the red deer of Europe. There a stag was considered the noblest game of all and I felt that I should follow that tradition.”

Of Rungius, Frederic Remington wrote, “For a long time I have said ‘This man Rungius knows our big game animals and he knows their backgrounds, and he paints it so it looks all right to me; and I am going to own one sooner or later’ ... There is not likely to be another fellow who will have the opportunity to study big game as you are doing, and I think records of us fellows who are doing the ‘Old America’ which is so fast passing will have an audience in posterity.”

PROVENANCE
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Drummond Gallery, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Private Collection, MT circa 1995

Condition ReportSurface condition is very good. Several vertical hairline cracks, to right of elk. No signs of restoration.

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.