Stolen Horses [No. 3] (detail) 1911

Charles M. Russell’s painting, Stolen Horses, captures a moment in the shifting landscape of the American West. Russell used watercolors, a medium prized for its portability and speed, ideal for an artist documenting life on the move. The fluid nature of watercolor allows for a sense of immediacy and movement. Notice the sweeping brushstrokes that define the bodies of the horses, capturing their energy and the dust they kick up. The subtle gradations of color in the sky convey the vastness of the landscape. The rough, textured paper adds another layer to the viewing experience. It’s important to remember the context in which Russell was working. His romantic vision of the West often glossed over the complex realities of settlement, conflict, and exploitation. “Stolen Horses” hints at the disruption of traditional ways of life, reflecting the growing pressure on Native communities. By focusing on the materials and the making of this painting, we can better understand its place in a larger history of cultural exchange, labor, and representation.