Return of the Horse Thieves, 1900. Charles M. Russell.
Watercolor on paper, 21 3/4 x 30 1/8 inches. Charles M. Russell Museum, Museum Purchase and partial gift of Mrs. Sam Stephenson.
Horse-stealing raids were an important part of Plains Indian life, for the possession of horses was key to gaining wealth and power. The theft of horses from an enemy weakened him; the act of stealing horses, especially without being discovered, was one of the bravest acts a warrior could accomplish. Groups of Indians on raiding parties were one of Russell's favorite subjects. Typically, he created certain compositions such as this one that he subsequently repeated in other works. (Text courtesy of Rick Stewart, Ph.D., and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art)
