Not a Chinaman’s Chance

Charles Marion Russell, affectionately known as C. M. Russell, Charlie Russell, or 'Kid' Russell, was a quintessential American artist whose works vividly captured the spirit of the American Old West. Born on March 19, 1864, in Missouri, Russell's early fascination with the wild west was evident through his sketches and clay figures of animals, a passion that would define his career. At sixteen, he left school for Montana, trading the classroom for the vast landscapes of a sheep ranch, a decision that marked the beginning of his deep connection with the West. Russell's artistry flourished in Montana, where he became renowned for his over 2,000 paintings, sculptures, and illustrations depicting cowboys, Native Americans, and the untamed beauty of the western United States and Alberta, Canada. Beyond his artistic achievements, Russell was a storyteller, author, and a vocal advocate for Native American rights, notably supporting the establishment of the Rocky Boy Reservation for landless Chippewa in Montana. His legacy is preserved in institutions like the C. M. Russell Museum Complex in Great Falls, Montana, and his works, such as the 1912 mural 'Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross' Hole' and the 1918 painting 'Piegans,' continue to celebrate and critique the narratives of the American West. Russell passed away on October 24, 1926, leaving behind a body of work that remains a cornerstone of Western American art.