Old Christmas in New England 1918

Charles M. Russell painted "Old Christmas in New England" in 1919 using watercolour. The cold and muted palette of blues and browns captures a wintery scene in New England, evoking a sense of quiet isolation. Russell masterfully uses composition to narrate a story of cultural encounter. The painting is divided vertically, with the Native American figure on the left balanced by the horse-drawn carriage on the right. This division emphasizes the juxtaposition of two different worlds – the indigenous and the colonial. The stark contrast in attire and mode of transport underscores cultural differences and raises questions about land, ownership and the changing landscape of America. The fallen deer at the feet of the Native American functions as a potent signifier. It represents a traditional way of life threatened by colonial expansion. Russell prompts us to consider the historical and cultural dynamics at play in the American landscape, inviting multiple readings and interpretations of its complex past.