Page 78 - 2019 Russell Catalogue

102
CHARLES M. RUSSELL (1864–1926)
Says He’s an Elk
pen and ink
5 1⁄2 x 10 inches
Inscription: Lr: SAYS HE’S AN ELK/CMR (skull) 1917
$30,000–50,000
Recorded in Charles M. Russell: A Catalogue Raisonné: CR.DR.346
According to Larry Len Peterson in Charles M. Russell: Legacy:
In March 1908 Charlie was initiated into the Great Falls lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and even though Russell didn’t drink, he enjoyed the camaraderie of its members. In 1912 he donated the large oil The Exalted Ruler to the Elks for their new lodge, and he also illustrated member booklets and paper money used at their functions.1
A letter regarding this piece from Frederic G. Renner, dated July 4, 1985, will accompany this lot. It reads in part: “I have personally examined the pen drawing titled SAYS HE’S AN ELK, depicting a hunter, his hat and rifle on the ground, treed by a bunch of elk, six old bulls and a yearling, title and signature, CMR (skull) 1917, lower right, size 5 1⁄8 x 10 inches (sight). In my judgement this drawing is unquestionably an original work by Charles Marion Russell.”
PROVENANCE
• Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Great Falls Lodge
• Private collection, Montana
• Manitou Auction, Great Falls, Montana, 1999
• Private collection, Montana
LITERATURE
• Larry Len Peterson. Charles M. Russell: Legacy. Helena, MT: Twodot Books, 1999.
1 Larry Len Peterson, Charles M. Russell: Legacy (Helena, MT: Twodot Books, 1999), 196.
The Exalted Ruler, 1912, oil on canvas, 54 x 72 inches. C.M. Russell Museum Collection, gift of Friends of The Exalted Ruler (995.13.1)