CHARLES M. RUSSELL

The Hold-Up, 1899. Charles M. Russell.
Oil on canvas, 48 × 30 inches. Charles M. Russell Museum. Gift of Thomas and Jane Petrie (2021.5.1).

While Russell was known for painting friends into his scenes, he was also known for painting identifiable historical figures, such as "Big Nose George" Parrott, a notorious robber and murderer. Throughout the 1870s, Parrott and his gang terrorized Wyoming, South Dakota and Eastern Montana. Set within a forested area, Russell depicts Parrott aiming his gun at the unfortunate passengers of the Miles City-Deadwood stage. Not only does The Hold-Up demonstrate historical accuracy, but it also captures other known associates of Russell's, like the widow Flannigan who ran the Miles City boarding house, Mr. Isaac Katz, who can be seen with money sewn into his clothing, and other western types that Russell depicts throughout his work, such as the preacher, school teacher and gambler.