The War Party (or similar descriptive title)
Print (Mass-produced lithograph or photomechanical reproduction) on paper • Charles Marion Russell (C.M. Russell) - Reproduced signature visible in upper right corner
Style & Movement
Western American Realism / Cowboy Art
Medium & Technique
Color lithography/offset printing mimicking original oil painting techniques such as impasto and loose brushwork
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (reproduction of an earlier 19th/early 20th-century original)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 20 inches; Horizontal Landscape format
Subject Description
A dynamic scene featuring a group of Native American warriors on horseback crossing a rugged, arid landscape. The composition emphasizes movement with riders shown in various states of action, carrying lances and shields, utilizing the 'vanishing frontier' iconography common in Russell's work.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows typical signs of age for a vintage print
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $75 (USD)
Auction Estimate
$10 - $50 (USD)
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or decor shop; no specific high-value ownership indicators visible
Art Historical Significance
As a reproduction, its significance lies in the cultural popularity of C.M. Russell as the 'Cowboy Artist' who documented the transition of the American West. The original painting would be of immense historical value, but this print serves as a decorative homage.
Notable Features
Features the artist's iconic 'Buffalo Skull' signature mark in the upper right, which was Russell's trademark for authenticity on his original works.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper (toning), minor fading of pigments due to UV exposure, and potential acid burn from non-archival matting visible at the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free, archival-quality matting and backing. Glaze with UV-protective glass to prevent further pigment degradation.