This bronze, an ashtray, has no foundry mark. However, it compares favorably to other Russell bronzes in the Gilcrease Collection that were cast by B. Zoppo Foundry, such as Indian Family (0837.21, 0837.21). It was probably cast at that foundry. The burnt black layer is tightly adherent, which gives the surface a leathery appearance. The bronze is partly filled with wood and resin.
Information given by Ann Boulton Young, Associate Conservator for the Gilcrease Museum, 2018
Benjamin Zoppo came to the US from Italy and returned there in 1921.
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.
Charles M. Russell Artworks in Gilcrease Collection
Renowned as an iconic figure in 20th century American art for his portrayals of the American West, Gilcrease Museum houses and displays masterworks from the prolific life of artist Charles M. Russell. Significant samplings of Charles M. Russell’s mature painting style is 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 paintings and sculptures in the museum’s permanent art collections, the museum archives is the proud home of the Charles M. Russell Research Collection (Britzman). The research collection’s catalog of preparatory drawings, sketches, and illustrated letters adds to the depth and understanding of Charles M Russell’s life and artistic process.
Russell, Charles. The Last Laugh. 0837.5. modeled 1916; lost-wax cast between 1916 and 1921. Tulsa: Gilcrease Museum, https://collections.gilcrease.org/object/08375 (03/26/2019).
Our Online Collections site is a work in progress. If you have information about this item that may be of assistance, please contact us.
