The Bison Trail 1908

Charles M. Russell painted "The Bison Trail" in 1908, capturing a scene from the American West. It depicts a large herd of bison moving across a vast landscape. The image carries powerful cultural references, made as it was during a time of significant change for both the landscape and its inhabitants. The near extinction of the bison was directly linked to westward expansion and federal policies aimed at weakening the Native American tribes who depended on them. Russell was known for his romanticized depictions of the West, and "The Bison Trail" is no exception. The work invites reflection on the complex relationship between humans and nature, and the impact of westward expansion on the American West. Historical research using period documents, photographs, and other primary sources can help us to understand the context in which Russell created his art. It also allows us to more critically examine the narrative the artwork conveys about the West and the institutions that shaped that narrative.