Peace 1899

Charles M. Russell painted 'Peace' using watercolor on paper, a quick and portable medium perfectly suited to capturing fleeting moments and atmospheric conditions. The fluid washes of color and delicate brushstrokes create a sense of movement and openness, evoking the vastness of the Western landscape. The choice of watercolor, rather than a more laborious medium, reflects a desire for spontaneity and immediacy. This suggests a romantic view of the West, one where time moves differently, and freedom is found in simplicity. Yet we also know that watercolors are easily reproduced. Russell was a master of self-promotion, and created many images that were sold as prints. This speaks to the way that the West was already being consumed as a commodity, even as it was being settled. Ultimately, understanding 'Peace' requires us to consider both the artistic choices and the social context in which it was made, blurring the lines between fine art and commercial imagery.