Hunting Big Horn Sheep 1898

Charles M. Russell made this watercolor painting, Hunting Big Horn Sheep, demonstrating his skill in rendering the textures and tones of the American West. Russell used watercolor in a fluid and expressive way, allowing the white of the paper to shine through, creating a sense of light and atmosphere. His technique involved layering washes of color to build up depth and form, as seen in the rugged mountains and the figures of the hunters. The social and cultural significance lies in its depiction of a traditional hunting practice, which speaks to the relationship between humans and the natural world. However, the introduction of rifles—products of industrial manufacture—into this scene also alludes to the changing dynamics of labor, politics, and consumption. Russell skillfully captured a moment in time, inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between tradition and modernity.