Smoke of a .45
Framed print on paper (potential lithograph or photogravure reproduction) • Charles Marion Russell (C.M. Russell)
Style & Movement
Western American Realism / Golden Age of Illustration
Medium & Technique
Mechanical print after an oil painting; original painting featured high-action realism with dynamic brushwork
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (reproduction of a 1908 original)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches including frame; Landscape format with a rectangular image set in a square-like frame.
Subject Description
A high-tension scene of a shootout outside 'The Palace' saloon in a Western frontier town. Two cowboys on horseback are engaged in a gunfight at close range, surrounded by dust, smoke, and falling figures, illustrating the danger and chaos of the Old West.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing some age-related toning to the paper and minor wear to the frame.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (as a decorative reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or specialized Western art retailer; no specific gallery labels are visible on the front.
Art Historical Significance
The original 1908 painting is an icon of Western Art, representing Russell's transition from a working cowboy to one of the most significant chroniclers of the American frontier. Prints like this popularized the 'Wild West' mythos in mid-century American homes.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature and famous 'buffalo skull' monogram (reproduced) in the lower corner; housed in a traditional gold-tone molded frame with a corded border pattern.
Condition Issues
Visible fading/sun-bleaching (common in older prints), paper oxidation (yellowing), and some minor abrasions to the gilt finish of the frame.
Conservation Recommendations
If personal value is high, replace the matting with acid-free materials and install UV-protective glass to prevent further fading. Keep away from direct sunlight.