Collections - Art
Will Rogers on Soapsuds sculpture by C.M. Russell
Artist Charlie Russell sculpted this small bronze statue of humorist Will Rogers astride his favorite horse, Soapsuds. Rogers was a good friend of both Russell and William S. Hart, so it’s not surprising Hart owned a copy of this sculpture. Rogers also had a copy of the sculpture on display at his ranch house in Pacific Palisades.
Mary Ellen Hart With Westport Pouffins portrait by James Montgomery Flagg
James Montgomery Flagg, a prolific illustrator, spent time painting Hollywood celebrities, including William S. Hart. The two became friends, and remained close to the end of Hart’s life. This oil painting by James Montgomery Flagg was completed in 1945, two years after the death of Hart’s sister, Mary Ellen. Flagg used a snapshot taken of Mary Ellen with her cat, Westport Pouffins, to complete the portrait.
Cigarette For Supper painting by Joe De Yong
As he was starting to pursue art as a career, Joe De Yong befriended noted artist Charles M. Russell, and the two formed a relationship that lasted until the end of Russell’s life. On a trip to California with the Russells in 1924, De Yong met William S. Hart among other celebrities. His drawings and watercolor paintings, several featuring Native American regalia, caught the attention of Hollywood, and in 1936, he was hired by Cecile B. DeMille to serve as historical adviser and costume artist. Over the next several years, De Yong would work in this capacity on at least 21 major films, influencing the visual history of the Western era. Russell inspired De Yong to paint the authentic West, something that both knew was quickly vanishing. De Yong’s work carries hints of Russell’s use of color, as seen in this painting.
