Browse: the Art and Archive Collections of Charles M. Russell at Gilcrease Museum

Renowned as an iconic figure in early 20th-century American art for his portrayals of the American West, Charles M. Russell’s masterworks and ephemera form a significant portion of the Gilcrease collection. Examples of Charles M. Russell’s mature painting style are enriched by Gilcrease Museum’s equally important collection of the artist’s bronze sculptures, sketches, and personal belongings. In addition to the Charles M. Russell works in the museum’s art collection, Gilcrease is home to the Russell Research Collection (Britzman). The research collection’s catalogue of preparatory drawings, sketches, illustrated letters and items owned by the artist adds to the depth and understanding of Charles M. Russell’s life and artistic process.

By Zachary Qualls, Graduate Research Assistant, Museum Science and Management, The University of Tulsa, 2016

215 Items

When Sioux and Blackfeet Meet

Figures and Animals

Pencil and brown ink sketches of a man on horseback, man in sombrero, faces and bodies, and some writing on "Porter's Hotel" stationery (TU2009.39.792.1). On reverse is a figure outline in ink (TU2009.39.792.2).

Native American on Horseback

Pencil sketch on a Native American on horseback, viewed straight on (TU2009.39.790.1). On reverse is a sketch of a Native American on horseback looking down on a kneeling man, with another horse in the background (TU2009.39.790.2).

Dancing Native American

Pencil sketch of a dancing Native American, a detail of a hand holding a stick, and small images on the side of various dancing figures.

Animals

Pen sketch of two buffalo, a mountain goat, and various shapes and horn details (TU2009.39.764.1). Back of paper possesses various numerical notations (TU2009.39.764.2).

Likes the Women

The Attack on the Wagon Train

Through the Alkali

Where Tracks Spell War or Meat

The Strenuous Life

Drawing of Crossed Branding Irons

Drawing of two branding irons crossed. One has two 'B' letters and the other has the letters 'Y' and 'K.' Writing in lower right in blue ink and pencil marks on upper right hand corner.