DONALD EMRYS STRONG (English 1927-1973) after CHARLES MARION RUSSELL (American 1864-1926) A BRONZE SCULPTURE, "Indian Chief," 1972, cast bronze, signed in bronze, "D.E. Strong," dated 1972, inscribed in bronze at right, "CMR," with skull cipher, inscribed at back, "© D.E. Strong 1972 19/30," and inscribed at left, "JHM Classic Bronze," on a green marble plinth base with name and title plate. Height: 7 1/2" Width: 5 1/2" Depth: 4 1/2" Provenance: Collection of James Stewart, Fresno, California; C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, Montana, 1981; Estate of Mrs. Dorothy Strong, La Habra, California

Other Notes: This piece was cast by Classic Bronze in 1972. Only thirty-two were cast. The original clay model is in the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana. An excerpt from a letter dated November 14, 1979, referencing the clay model by C.M. Russel, "This is to advise that my late sister Mrs. Dorothy Strong, purchased the original clay model of an Indian...from Graham Gallery in New York City in 1957. We understand it had been in the possession of the M.B. Smith family from 1899, until 1957. in 1972, following authentication (attached) by Mr. Frederic G. Renner and the Graham Gallery, she had a limited edition of the piece done by Classic Bronze as follows: In Bronze - edition of 30 (#1 thru #30), plus 1 Master Bronze and 1 Artist Copy....prior to my sister's death, of the bronze issue she released only 9: 2 were given to those who assisted her and 7 were sold.., David Renfre, Executor to Mrs. Dorothy Strong estate." In a communication from Graham Gallery, dated December 14, 1972, "Dear Mrs. Strong, The Graham Gallery personally guarantees that the plaster bust of an Indian purchased by you is an original work of the artist, Charles, Marion Russell. This bust is signed on the base 'CMR (Skull)' and measures 6 inches in height with a base which is 4.25 by 3.5 inches. This colored plaster bust was from the collection of M.B. Smith of Maine, to whose family it was presented by Charles Russell in 1899. Sincerely, James R. Graham." A communication from the C.M. Russell Museum of Montana, dated March 30, 1981, Dear Mrs Renfro: On behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself I would like to extend our sincere thanks for the original C.M. Russell clay model, entitled 'Indian Chief,’ donated to the C.M. Russell Museum by the Mrs. Dorothy Strong Estate...Sincerely, Ray W. Steele."

Minor surface wear, otherwise no apparent major damages or repairs. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."