1909 Charles M. Russell “Last of the Herd” Lithograph | Brown & Bigelow Western Print | Early 20th Century Framed Americana
Viridian Eclection
The Artwork
A 1909 color lithograph reproduction of Last of the Herd by Charles M. Russell, published by Brown & Bigelow of St. Paul, Minnesota.
The composition is Russell's buffalo scene, tension, motion, dust and fading light, the mythology of the American frontier at full emotional weight. The impression retains strong color depth and the textured surface typical of early twentieth century commercial stone lithography.
It is housed in what appears to be its period Western style frame, of dark stained wood construction, with an applied twig and arrow motif, a cast metal arrowhead applique, and decorative beaded trim across the lower rail. The presentation aligns with the Western revival aesthetics of roughly 1905 to 1915.
History & Provenance
Charles M. Russell, 1864 to 1926, was the defining painter of the American West. By 1909 he was already nationally recognized, and his imagery was being widely licensed for commercial reproduction.
Brown & Bigelow, founded in the late nineteenth century, became one of the largest producers of promotional art in the United States. In the early 1900s the firm issued Russell reproductions as corporate presentation pieces, often framed and distributed as client gifts.
The date of 1909 is printed within the material, and the sheet carries the Brown & Bigelow promotional designation, With the compliments of Brown & Bigelow, Greeting Tipon 47. That notation marks it as a formal promotional edition of 1909, which places the print firmly within Russell's lifetime and at the height of early Western commercial art circulation.
The Russell signature within the image is printed, not hand signed. This is a commercial lithographic reproduction, not an original oil painting and not a limited fine art edition.
Product Details
| Era | 1909, printed date |
| Artist | After Charles M. Russell, 1864 to 1926 |
| Title | Last of the Herd |
| Publisher | Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Medium | Stone lithograph reproduction in color |
| Marks | Printed Russell signature within the image. Printed notation, With the compliments of Brown & Bigelow, Greeting Tipon 47 |
| Frame | Apparently period Western style dark stained wood frame with applied twig and arrow motif, cast metal arrowhead applique and beaded trim to the lower rail |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
| Condition | Age appropriate wear. Lithograph retains strong color presence. Frame shows honest surface wear consistent with early twentieth century construction, and the decorative appliques remain intact |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
Western commercial art of 1909 carries a weight that later Western decor does not. This sheet is period authentic, issued during Russell's lifetime, and historically tied to the early American advertising culture that put his imagery into circulation.
The composition is powerful and structurally strong, which is what allows it to hold a wall at this scale. It suits ranch houses, historic cabins, Arts & Crafts interiors, Western studies and collected Americana walls.
A commercial piece is not an original, and it does not need to be. Its value is as an artifact of cultural distribution, a surviving example of how the American West was packaged, circulated and preserved in early twentieth century America.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
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