Description:

Bronze Inscribed: CM Russell [skull cipher] / © 1916 / B. Zoppo Foundry, N.Y. [Benjamin Zoppo] Literature: Rick Stewart, Charles M. Russell: Sculptor, Fort Worth, Texas: Amon Carter Museum, 1994, page 222, no. R-17. While there are several casts of The Last Laugh, there were only an estimated 10 examples cast during Russell's lifetime according to the Amon Carter Museum. There is a sketch for the piece in the C.M. Russel Museum detailed in an essay titled "Russell's Studio Practice" that reads: "The Flood Collection sketches also include drawings of finished bronze sculptures. In one instance Russell drew three ideas for sculptures on one sheet of paper, The Last Laugh, Indian Family [Indian Man], and [Indian Woman]. In all three cases the sketches are fairly general, consisting mainly of the outline of each piece. The Last Laugh is drawn with an outline of a wolf looking at a round object to one side. Russell wrote ‘Skull' in large letters next to it." Russell sculpted several works that featured a flat, dish- like form and were originally intended to serve as ashtrays. An identical cast was sold at Coeur d'Alene Art Auction, July 28, 2018, lot 29. Charles Marion Russell (American, 1864-1926) One of the most prolific artists and illustrators of the American West, Russell moved from his native Missouri to Montana in 1880 to work as a rancher and cowboy. In 1888 he went to live with the Blood Indians, where he developed his most intimate knowledge of the Indian culture before embarking on a career as a full-time artist in 1892. Today his work can be seen in the White House, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Denver Art Museum. He is one of two people to represent Montana in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol.

  • Dimensions: 4.5 " x 7 "

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November 18, 2023 12:00 PM EST
Lexington, KY, US

Cross Gate Gallery

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