Medicine Horse, 1912. Charles M. Russell.
Oil on board, 16 3/4 x 12 inches. Charles M. Russell Museum, Museum Purchase.
A solitary Native American figure sits upon his white horse, watching and waiting, motionless. The only indication of movement within his work is the gentle breeze that is strong enough to catch the feathers and ribbons and the horse's mane and tail. There is a gravity and intensity to the man's gaze, highlighted by the soft glow that illuminates his back, drawing the viewers' eyes to the landscape that is illuminated by the same light. Charles M. Russell similarly depicted many solitary Native Americans, many of whom are seated on white horses. This clever artistic device guarantees that the viewer will pay attention to what Russell thought was the most crucial aspect of the painting, drawing the viewers eyes up from the horse to the rider.
