An original 1995 letter of authenticity, written by Russell historian Ginger K. Renner, will accompany the lot. The letter states, “In my opinion this is one of the castings authorized by Nancy Russell and probably cast in 1927-28.”

According to Rick Stewart, “When Britzman published his account of Russell’s bronzes … he listed only nine casts for The Bluffers, probably including the Nelli casts (cast by Britzman between 1941 and 1943), so the real number of copies made in Nancy Russell’s lifetime was around five or six….”

George Sack wrote in his 1928 album page documenting The Bluffers, “These two animals are the biggest we have and when they meet, they are so evenly matched as to strength that they just blow and roar at each other and that is all there is to it, usually. They just bluff as each is afraid of the other.”

PROVENANCE:
Col. R. L. Harrison, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1940s
Private Collection, by descent

LITERATURE:
Frederic G. Renner, Charles M. Russell: Paintings, Drawings, and Sculpture in the Amon Carter Museum (New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1984), page 87, example illustrated
Rick Stewart, Charles M. Russell Sculptor (Fort Worth, TX: Amon Carter Museum, 1994), pages 277-280, example illustrated

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.