WAR 

Charles Russell created this watercolor painting entitled ‘War’, and the imagery within reflects his deep connection with the American West, particularly his experience of the Montana Territory. The painting depicts two Indigenous men on horseback overlooking a vast landscape. One figure raises his hand, signaling or communicating across the distance. Russell’s art often romanticized the West and its Indigenous peoples, but his work also emerged during a period of significant cultural and social upheaval. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the forced displacement and assimilation of Indigenous communities, driven by government policies and westward expansion. Russell was not untouched by this reality, even though he did not overtly politicize his artworks. Understanding the historical context of Russell’s work requires us to investigate the complex interplay between romanticism, representation, and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples during this transformative period in American history. Resources in museums, archives, and libraries can help us to better understand this artwork. Ultimately, ‘War’ reflects the contingent nature of meaning and the value of understanding the social context in which art is produced and consumed.