736

Charles M. Russell's "Self Portrait" Ltd Ed. Print

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:75.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 300.00 USD
Charles M. Russell's  Self Portrait  Ltd Ed. Print
Included in this lot is a limited edition framed print of Charles M. Russell's, "Self Portrait", 1900. This limited edition (179/200) was part of a 1952 gift presentation during the 'Charles M. Russell Meeting of the Denver Westerns' in Denver, Colorado. Originally done as a watercolour on paper, this self-portrait pictures artist Charles M. Russell at age thirty-six, striking a relaxed yet strong pose. Feet planted solidly, chest puffed out, and with his hands at his hips, he exudes confidence. Russell wears his everyday duds: high-heeled riding boots, a cowboy hat, and his trademark sash. The “Cowboy Artist” began wearing sashes upon his arrival in Montana, and amassed quite a collection which included, among other types, Chinese silk sashes. In this portrait, he wears a distinctive red sash of Métis manufacture, a carry-over from the French-Canadian fur trade. It has been suggested that Russell wore this slightly eccentric get-up to attract attention, to honor tradition, for comfort, and for utility, too; he tucked a paint box and brushes into his sash when painting out-of-doors. Though he sometimes included his likeness in illustrated letters to friends and snuck his visage into polished studio paintings, this is one of only about a dozen or so stand-alone self-portraits. This special piece illustrates Russell’s personality, his affectations, and his satisfaction with the life that he forged. The lithograph was done by noted artist H. E. Britzman. The ornate wood frame matted piece is in good overall condition, the artwork is shadowbox situated, slight scuffing noted to frame edges, measurements are 3"W x 5.5"L visible art, 7"W x 9"L frame.