The Russell kicked off on March 20 with events in several locations around Great Falls, Montana. Two days later the show closed. As the dust settled, what was revealed was a staggering achievement, one for the record books of the popular event hosted by the C.M. Russell Museum. Not only did the show feature sold-out events, it also realized more than $9 million in sales.
Jeremy Winborg, Dahteste—As Skillful as the Men, oil, 38 x 50 in. Estimate: $32/37,000 SOLD: $89,600
“This year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a record-breaking number of historic works in the auction’s 57-year history,” the museum noted at the conclusion of the sale. Among the highlights were works by Joseph H. Sharp, Henry Farny and, of course, Charles M. Russell, the show’s namesake.
“The Russellcontinues to showcase the enduring admiration for Charlie Russell’s legacy and the vibrant world of Western art,” says Chris Warden, executive director at the Montana museum. “As our largest fundraising event, the auction directly supports the museum’s mission, ensuring we can continue to preserve and share Russell’s incredible legacy for generations to come.”
Brooke Wetzel, Treasures of Montana, oil, 24 x 36 in. Estimate: $6/8,000 SOLD: $17,920
Of the $9 million realized, more than $1 million goes directly to the museum to fund acquisitions, exhibitions and programming.
Highlights in the sale include a number of Russell pieces, including seven of the top 10 lots. The big winner was Women of America, Russell’s iconic 1924 watercolor. The work was estimated at $1.6 to $2.4 million, and fell within those boundaries when it sold for $1.8 million. The runner-up of the top lots was Russell’s 1903 watercolor, Mandan Buffalo Hunt, which sold for $877,000, well over its $650,000 high estimate. Other works include watercolors, black-and-white oils, sculpture and illustrated letters.
Joseph Henry Sharp had two works in the top 10: Moonlight Songs (est. $200/400,000) that sold for $731,000 and Crow Encampment, Spring Morning New Custer Mountain (est. $250/400,000) that sold for $526,000.
Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), Women of America, 1924, watercolor, 20 x 30 in. Estimate: $1.6/2.4 million SOLD: $1,842,000
Highlights from the main sale, as well as the First Strike Friday Night sale, include pieces by Shalese Sands, Brooke Wetzel, Gail Hayes Davis, Jason Rich, Gary Lynn Roberts, Jennifer Johnson and Chad Poppleton, all of which sold over their high estimates. Jeremy Winborg had an especially strong night with his piece Dahteste—As Skillful as the Men selling for $89,000, more than double over its $37,000 high estimate. The piece also broke Winborg’s auction record by more than $15,000. —
Top 10 Lots: The Russell
March 22, 2025 (including buyer’s premium)
Artist Title Low/High Est. SOLD
Charles M. Russell Women of America $1.6/2.4 million $1,842,000
Charles M. Russell Mandan Buffalo Hunt $450/650,000 $877,500
Joseph Henry Sharp Moonlight Songs $200/400,000 $731,250
Charles M. Russell Watching the Iron Horse $650/850,000 $702,000
Joseph Henry Sharp Crown Encampment… $250/400,000 $526,500
Charles M. Russell Hunter’s Encampment… $225/325,000 $351,000
Charles M. Russell A Load of Good Wishes… $120/150,000 $198,900
Henry Farny Alchisaye – Apache $125/175,000 $198,900
Charles M. Russell Finger That Kills Wins… $90/120,000 $175,500
Charles M. Russell Friend Percy Letter $120/150,000 $117,000
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