The Man Behind the Curtain

The C.M. Russell Museum brings the public a rotating exhibition of illustrated letters, greeting cards and small works created by Russell throughout his life.

Many know Charles M. Russell as the famous Western painter and sculptor, who made thousands of brilliant works based on his time spent in the Montana wilderness and his years as a cowboy and wrangler. However, there was much more to Russell, who was also known for his quick wit and humorous spirit. Through the summer of 2023, the C.M. Russell Museum features approximately 20 greeting card illustrations, letters and small works as insights into the artists personal life, and spanning the entirety of his life and career.Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, 1918, watercolor, pen and ink. Museum purchase.“The inspiration for this exhibition really came down to the public’s fascination with the letters,” says assistant curator Olivia Cotterman, adding that the museum tries to display some of Russell’s letters at least once a year. “It’s nice for people to realize that Charlie wasn’t unapproachable, and it’s a way of bringing him back down to earth. They get to experience his life and humor, and it’s nice too to see a different perspective. They know him as a famous artist, but through these letters, you can see his memories from childhood and relationships he developed.”Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), Christmas Greetings, 1915, watercolor, pen and ink. Gift of the Josephine Trigg Estate.Cotterman also notes that the exhibition will rotating, in that items will be added and put away based on season. Currently on display are fall and Christmas works; December will reflect remaining Christmas and New Year themes; and February will be spring and summer examples. “This is so the public can see our entire letters collection within one year,” says Cotterman. “Also, most of the work is thematic and connect to the seasons.”

The letters, some pertaining to greeting cards accompanied with masterful illustrations, are also paired with some small paintings in the exhibition. “You can see connections between illustration versus something he would have done for small holiday gifts for family and friends,” explains Cotterman. “It’s also to show and compare a Russell illustration and a Russell painting that he took some time with. You can see he put an effort into every piece of art he did—into everything.”Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), River Crossing, 1901, watercolor and paint on paper. Gift of Dr. Chandler Swanberg, Gorham and Patty Jo Swanberg, Kirsten and Rob Jacobsen, Brennan Swanberg, and Karen Swanberg in memory of Helen Gorham Swanberg.As in the letter I’ve Knowed of Men A Having Snakes, made in 1910, we not only see a spectacular holiday illustration that combines Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one, but the artist’s humor truly shines as he pokes fun at his past demons with drinking in a small poem. Cotterman shares that Russell’s love affair with alcohol was notorious when he was younger, but that changed when he met his wife Nancy.

The greeting card was originally sent to Josephine Trigg, who was a neighbor and friend to the Russell family. Trigg kept everything that Charles ever gave or sent her—call it an early foresight into his importance and value. Pictured here is also the greeting card Christmas Greetings from 1915, also sent to Josephine Trigg, depicting Santa in his sleigh with reindeer. “We have quite a few of these Christmas ones,” Cotterman says. “Russell loved to give gifts to friends and family during the holidays.”Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), I’ve Knowed of Men A Having Snakes, 1910, watercolor, pen and ink. Gift of the Josephine Trigg Estate.Through the Summer of 2023, the C.M. Russell Museum provides the unique opportunity to get to know Charles M. Russell on a more personal level, while also celebrating in some holiday and seasonal themes along the way. Don’t forget to drop in and experience new, rotating items added throughout the length of the exhibition. —