This sculpture was first exhibited as Indian on Horse at The Art Institute of Chicago in November 1912. The following month American Machinist Magazine reported on Griffoul foundry‘s casting of “an Indian on horseback” with artist unidentified. Fewer than 10 casts are thought to have been made by Griffoul of Medicine Whip, although the magazine article makes clear that a bronze model had been created anticipating a large production. Russell’s wife Nancy had initiated his production in 1905 at the Roman Bronze Works, but not until 1910-12 were multiple casts of three different subjects made there. Her switch to Griffoul in 1912 and then to the Zoppo foundry in 1916 indicates a search for either better quality, lower price or both.

From the exhibition:Frontier to Foundry: the Making of Small Bronze Sculpture in the Gilcrease Collection, December 2014 - March 2015.
Ann Boulton Young, Associate Conservator for the Gilcrease Museum, 2014.

This bronze is the only sand cast sculpture by Russell in the Gilcrease collection. It may have been cast between 1912 and 1916. However, American Machinist Magazine reported in December 1912 that the Griffoul foundry had cast a bronze of "an Indian on horseback" so it was probably cast in 1912. It was cast in one piece, except for the base and the reins. The bottom is full of resin.

Information given by Ann Boulton Young, Associate Conservator for the Gilcrease Museum, 2018