GREAT FALLS, MT C.M. RUSSELL MUSEUM MARCH 21 The Russell Live Auction
The Russell returns March 19 to the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana, as part of the citywide Western
Art Week.the centerpiece of the event is The Russell Live Auction, which takes place March 21 at 5 p.m.the sale will feature a mixture of art from contemporary artists and historic works from some of the top names in Western art, including nine by Charles M. Russell that range from oils and watercolors to bronzes and illustrated letters.
The highlight of the Russell works is Following the Buffalo Run, a major oil from around 1894 that is estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million.the work shows a Native American woman on horseback on the plains with a child on her back and small pony by her side. Other prominent lots are Thomas Moran’s 1899 oil Green River in Wyoming (est. $750/950,000) and Eanger Irving Couse’s Indian by Firelight (est. $75/125,000). “We’re thrilled to have the Moran because it represents
one of his great calling cards when it comes to subjects— the Green River in Wyoming. Masterpieces of this subject matter, and at much greater size, have drawn some incredible prices over the years.this is a strong piece but at a modest size,” says Duane Braaten, director of art and philanthropy at the C.M. Russell Museum.“and with the Couse piece, it represents the really wonderful collection of Taos works we have, which also includes some important works by Joseph Henry Sharp.”