2. Inventory of Public Art Located Inside the Montana State Capitol

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#2. Inventory of Public Art Located Inside the Montana State Capitol

© Revised 2010 Title: Mike and Maureen Mansfield Artist: Gareth Curtiss (b.1959) Medium: Bronze Date: 2001 Dimensions: 102” x 42” x 30” Location: Rotunda balcony (3rd floor) adjacent to grand staircase

Mike Mansfield (1903–2001) served the people of Montana for nearly fifty years as a U.S. congressman, senator, and ambassador to Japan. He held the position of Senate majority leader longer than any other person. Mansfield credited his wife Maureen for any success he enjoyed, and insisted that she be included in this memorial to him. About this Document

Title:: Wilbur Fisk Sanders This inventory is one in a four-part series of catalogs designed to document the Artist: Sigvald Asbjornsen (1867– ?) public art and monuments in the Montana State Capitol Complex in Helena. Medium: Bronze The four inventories are: Date: 1913 Dimensions: 131” x 71” x 68” • #1. Capitol Complex Exterior Memorial and Sculpture Location: Main (2nd) floor, south end of Rotunda Inventory (Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks)

• #2. Inventory of Public Art Located Inside the Montana State Capitol Wilbur Fisk Sanders (1834-1905) was one of Montana’s first U.S. senators. He was a (Montana Historical Society) leader of the vigilantes of Virginia City and, in 1865, one of the founders of the Montana Historical Society. • #3. Inventory of Public Art Located Inside the Other Buildings of the Montana State Capitol Complex (Montana Historical Society)

• #4. Inventory of Memorials, Monuments, and Exhibits Located Inside the Montana State Capitol and other Buildings of the Montana Capitol Complex (Montana Historical Society)

These four documents were prepared in 2004 for the Capitol Complex Advisory Committee as part of its ongoing efforts to develop and maintain an “Art and Memorial Plan” for the state capitol and the capitol complex.

For more information, refer to:

Section 2-17-803, MCA: “An act to generally revise the provisions of law relating to the capitol complex advisory council; to direct the council to establish an art and memorial plan to control the placement of art and memorials in the capitol complex buildings and on the capitol complex grounds; to authorize the department of administration to approve temporary displays in the capitol complex buildings or grounds; and to change the agency responsible for maintaining an inventory of art and memorials in the capitol complex; amending sections 2-17- 804, 2-17-805, 2-17807, and 2-17-812 MCA.

Or call:

406-444-3060 – Department of Administration Artwork in the Montana State Capitol Title: Thomas Walsh Artist: Louise K. Sparrow Second Floor Medium: Marble Date: 1930 Dimensions: 29” x 21” 12” Location: Rotunda

1899-1902 Original Building Thomas Walsh (1859-1933) represented Montana in the U.S. Senate from 1913 to 1933. He exposed the Teapot Dome oil scandal in 1923, and, in 1933 Franklin D.   Offices of the Offices of the Roosevelt appointed him U.S. Attorney General. He died, however, before he could Governor and Secretary of assume those duties. Lieutenant State Governor &  Governor's Reception Room  Gallery Rotunda Gallery

1909-1912 East Wing 1909-1912 West Wing

 Pedretti Roundels; Walsh, Wheeler, and Dixon Busts  Grand Stairway and Barrel Vault  Sanders Statue  Rankin Statue

*Adapted from James P. McDonald, Historic Structure Report: Montana State

Capitol Building (Helena: State of Montana, Architechural & Engineering Office) Title: Burton K. Wheeler Artist: Bob Scriver (1914–1999) Medium: Bronze Date: 1977 Dimensions: 30" x 19" x 12" Location: Rotunda

1899-1902 Original Building Burton K. Wheeler (1882-1975) was a six-term U.S. senator (1923-1947) who twice ran as a U.S. vice-presidential candidate. During his early career as a U.S. district at- Old Law House of torney, Wheeler championed civil liberties in response to the anti-German hysteria Library Representatives created in Montana by World War I. Chamber  Old Supreme Rotunda Senate Court Chamber (open to Chamber below)

1909-1912 East Wing 1909-1912 West Wing

 DeCamp Murals  Pedretti Murals  Pedretti Murals  Paxson Murals  Mansfield Statue  Russell Mural  Joullin Mural  Daub Mural Title: The Cowboy Title: Joseph Dixon Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: John B. Weaver (b. 1920) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Bronze Date: 1902 Date: 1972 Dimensions: 84" in diameter Dimensions: 28" x 15" x 11" Location: Rotunda Location: Rotunda

Joseph Dixon (1867–1934) served as a U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator, Governor of The round murals in the rotunda are known as “roundels.” They represent archetypes Montana, and Assistant Secretary of the Interior. of four frontier figures who played leading roles in Montana’s early history. For three of the characters—the prospector, the chief, and the trapper—specific indivisuals provided the inspiration for the represented archetype. No such model, however, has been identified forThe Cowboy. Title: Jeannette Rankin Title: The Prospector Artist: Terry Mimnaugh (b. 1955) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Bronze Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1980 Date: 1902 Dimensions: 100" x 29" x 29" Dimensions: 84" in diameter Location: Main (2nd) floor, south end of Rotunda Location: Rotunda

Born near Missoula, Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) was the first woman who ever served in the U.S. Congress (1917), and was the only legislator who voted against Henry Edgar—who served as the model for The Prospector—was one of six men who America’s entry into both World Wars I and II. Along with Charlie Russell, Rankin is discovered gold in Alder Gulch (Madison Coumnty) in 1863. The area contained some one of the two Montanans who represent the Treasure State in Statuary Hall in our of Montana’s richest placer deposits, and within weeks of their discovery, booming nation’s Capitol. gold camps—including Virginia City—sprang up along Alder Creek. Title: The Trapper Title: St. Ignatius (Indian Country) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1902 Date: 1912 Dimensions: 84" in diameter Dimensions: 42" x 83" Location: Rotunda Location: Old Law Library

The Trapper portrays famed mountain man Jim Bridger who was among the most This painting depicts an Indian camp on the Flathead Reservation near St. Ignatius. colorful figures to explore Montana during the fur trade era. Bridger’s name has been The Mission Mountains form the majestic backdrop for this scene. given to a number of Montana’s geographical features. Title: Holter Dam Title: The Indian Chief Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1928 Date: 1902 Dimensions: 42" x 83" Dimensions: 84" in diameter Location: Old Law Library Location: Rotunda

Holter Dam was located on the Missouri River about 40 miles north of Helena. At one Chief Charlo, an influential Salish leader, served as the model for The Indian Chief. point it was the largest hydroelectric generating facility in the state. For forty years Charlo championed the rights of his people and led the fight against the U.S. government in its efforts to remove the Salish from their traditional home in the Bitterroot Valley. His Salish name, Slem-hak-kah, means “Little Claw of a Grizzly Bear.” Title: Driving the Golden Spike Title: The Rosebud River Artist: Amedee Joullin (1862–1917) Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1903 Date: 1928 Dimensions: 90"H x 183"W Dimensions: 42" x 83" Location: Head of the grand staircase Location: Old Law Library

This painting—which was given to the people of Montana by the Northern Pacific This mural depicts a scene on the East Rosebud River in Carbon County. Pilot and Railroad—depicts the ceremony held to celebrate the completion of the Northern Index Peaks are prominent in the background. Pacific’s transcontinental line. The ceremony was held at Gold Creek, Montana (near Drummond), on September 8, 1883. The two central figures in the painting are former president Ulysses S. Grant (holding sledge hammer), and Henry Villard, president of the Northern Pacific. Other notable figures include Secretary of the Interior Henry Moore Teller, Secretary of State William M. Evarts (who served as principal orator of the event), and a delegation of Crow Indians, whose land the railroad crossed. Title: Last Chance Title: We Proceeded On Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Artist: Eugene Daub Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Bronze Date:1911 Date: 2006 Dimensions: 42" x 83" Dimensions: 92.5" x 198.25" Location: Old Law Library Location: Senate Chamber

This mural depicts hydraulic gold mining set against the backdrop of Mount Helena. This monumental relief sculpture depicts the Lewis and Clark party in the Missouri The title refers to Helena’s original name, “Last Chance Gulch.” Breaks area, was commissioned by the state for the senate chamber as a Lewis and Clark bicentennial commemoration. The project was overseen by MHS in conjunc- tion with the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission and a special selection committee. The mural was installed in the senate chambers in October 2006 and officially dedicated at the beginning of the 2007 session.

Title: The Louisiana Purchase Title: Gates of the Mountains Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date:1902 Date: 1911 Dimensions: 168"H x 204"W Dimensions: 42" x 83" Location: Senate Chamber Location: Old Law Library

This allegorical painting depicts an apocryphal meeting between President Thomas Located on the Missouri River north of Helena, the Gates of the Mountains was one of Jefferson (seated left) and French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (seated right), an Ralph DeCamp’s favorite subjects. This painting illustrates the natural flow of the river event that never really happened. The men behind the table are, the Marquis de before it was forever altered by the construction of Holter Dam in the 1918. BarbéMarbois, Robert Livingston, and future president James Monroe (who con- ducted the negotiations). Title: The Gallatin Title: Prospectors at Nelson Gulch Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1912 Date: 1902 Dimensions: 42" x 83" Dimensions: 168"H x 102"W Location: Old Law Library Location: Senate Chamber

One of the three rivers that flow together to from the Missouri, the Gallatin was In this mural a group of placer miners work a stream in Nelson Gulch southwest of named by Lewis and Clark after Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury under Helena. The figure on the right, bending over, is Jerry Robinson, and the man seated Thomas Jefferson. on the sluice box is Ike Newcomer—two well-known old-timers who came to Montana in the 1860s.

Title: Old Fort Owen Title: Above Timberline Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1902 Date: 1928 Dimensions: 168"H x 102"W Dimensions: 42" x 83" Location: Senate Chamber Location: Old Law Library

This mural portrays Salish Indians talking to two influential Jesuit missionar- Above Timberline is the only one of DeCamp’s ten murals that does not allude to a ies, Fathers Anthony Ravalli (left) and Pierre DeSmet (right), who came to the specific site in its title. The scene is thought to be one from the Granite Range near Bitterroot Valley in the 1840s. In the background lies Fort Owen, a key trading the northeastern corner of Yellowstone Park. post established by Major John Owen in 1850 at the former site of St. Mary’s Mission (present-day Stevensville). Title: The Flathead Title: Custer’s Last Battle Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1928 Date: 1902 Dimensions: 42" x 83" Dimensions: 168"H x 204"W Location: Old Law Library Location: Senate Chamber

Flathead Lake, in northwestern Montana, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Custer’s Last Battle commemorates the death of George A. Custer and the other army United States. The painting was completed from the lake’s west shore, looking east casualties at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in eastern Montana on June 25, 1876. toward the Mission Mountains. Title: Lewis and Clark at Three Forks Title: The Bitter Root Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1902 Date: 1911 Dimensions: 168"H x 102"W Dimensions: 42" x 83" Location: Senate Chamber Location: Old Law Library

As designers, Pedretti and Sons were far more concerned with the overall effect of the The Bitter Root River (now “Bitterroot”) is located in the southwestern corner of the capitol’s decorative scheme than they were with the historical accuracy of their mu- state. This scene is located about 12 miles north of Hamilton with the Sapphire Range rals. Here, examples of artistic license include Sacajawea’s dress (more indicative of a in the background. Southwestern tribe) and the tipi (which members of the expedition did not use while in Montana). Title: Lake McDermott Title: Old Fort Benton Artist: Ralph E. DeCamp (1858–1936) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1912 Date: 1902 Dimensions: 42" x 83" Dimensions: 168"H x 102"W Location: Old Law Library Location: Senate Chamber

Now known as Swift Current Lake, this body of water is located near Grinnell Glacier This painting depicts two prominent leaders of the Montana fur trade, American Fur in the eastern part of Glacier National Park. Company entrepreneurs Andrew Dawson (standing) and Pierre Chouteau, Jr. (seated). In the background lies Fort Benton which—situated at the head of naviga- tion on the Missouri River—was one of the most important early-day trading posts in Montana.

Title: Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross’ Hole Title: Emigrant Train Being Attacked by the Indians Artist: Charles M. Russell (1864–1926) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1912 Date: 1902 Dimensions: 140" x 296" Dimensions: 84" x 132" Location: House Chamber Location: Old Supreme Court

Measuring approximately twelve feet high by twenty-five feet wide, this is the largest As with The Chase of the Buffalo, wagon train attacks represent a common motif in painting ever completed by Montana’s cowboy artist. It depicts an event—the acquisi- Western art. Although such assualts were commonly feared and did sometimes occur tion of additional horses from the Salish Indians—that was critical to the success in Montana, they do not constitute a frequent aspect of the state’s emigrant history. of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Ross’ Hole is located in the Bitterroot Valley near Sula, Montana. Title: Gates of the Mountains Title: Lewis and Clark at Three Forks Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: Edgar S. Paxson (1852–1919) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1902 Date: 1912 Dimensions: 84" x 120" Dimensions: 81" x 153" Location: Old Supreme Court Location: House of Representatives Lobby

The Gates of the Mountains, a section of the Missouri River flanked by towering lime- This painting depicts Thomas Jefferson’s “Corps of Discovery” at a critical juncture stone cliffs, was so named by Captain Meriwether Lewis on July 19, 1805. The decision on their journey—the headwaters of the Missouri (near present-day Three Forks, to depict a historic landscape, rather than a peopled event, was Governor Joseph Montana) where the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison Rivers converge to form the Toole’s. mighty river. Left to right are: John Colter, York, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacajawea, and Charbonneau. Title: Lewis at Black Eagle Falls Title: Farewell to the Buffalo Artist: Edgar S. Paxson (1852–1919) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1912 Date:1902 Dimensions: 81" x 39" Dimensions: 84" x 120" Location: House of Representatives Lobby Location: Old Supreme Court

In this painting, Paxson chose dramatic effect over historical accuracy. In reality, A companion piece to The Chase of the Buffalo, this painting serves as a metaphor when Meriwether Lewis (standing) reached Black Eagle Falls on June 14, 1805, he for the demise of much of the traditional Native American ways of life that ultimately was alone. Paxson did not indicate which member of the expedition the second figure resulted from the coming of Euro-Americans to the West. represents. Title: The Chase of the Buffalo Title: Pierre de La Verendrye Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: Edgar S. Paxson (1852–1919) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1902 Date: 1912 Dimensions: 84" x 132" Dimensions: 81" x 39" Location: Old Supreme Court Location: House of Representatives Lobby

The mounted buffalo hunt has long been a favorite subject for western artists. Charlie Pierre de La Verendrye was a French-Canadian who explored the American West Russell produced over 40 paintings devoted to this theme. Here, the Pedrettis use the in the 1730s and 1740s. At the time Paxson painted this mural, it was commonly buffalo chase to symbolize the early lifeways of Montana’s first peoples. believed that La Verendrye had been the first non-Indian to come into what is now Montana. More recent scholarship, however, indicates that La Verendrye never actually entered the state—he only viewed the Big Horn mountains from afar. Title: Surrender of Chief Joseph Title: Lewis’ First Glimpse of the Rockies Artist: Edgar S. Paxson (1852–1919) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date:1912 Date: 1902 Dimensions: 81" x 47" Dimensions: 84" x 132" Location: House of Representatives Lobby Location: Old Supreme Court

In 1877 a band of Nez Perce, with Chief Joseph among its leaders, trekked across This painting depicts Captain Meriwether Lewis viewing, for the first time, the Montana in a vain attempt to reach asylum in Canada. On October 5—after several formidable mountain ranges that lay between the Corps of Discovery and the Pacific days of fighting with the U.S. Army in what is now known as the Battle of the Bear’s Ocean. Using an unusual visual strategy, the artist invites the viewer to experience Paw—Joseph and his people surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles. It was upon this the moment through the act of Lewis’ observations rather than focusing on what he occasion that Joseph made his legendary speech, which begins, “From where the sun actually saw. now stands, I will fight no more forever.... Title: Proclamation of Statehood Title: After the Whiteman’s Book Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Artist: Edgar S. Paxson (1852–1919) Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date:1902 Date: 1912 Dimensions: 84" x 48" Dimensions: 81" x 47" Location: Old Supreme Court Location: House of Representatives Lobby

This painting depicts President Benjamin Harrison (left) and Secretary of State James In the early part of the 19th century, Iroquois Indians—who had converted to the G. Blaine (right) signing Montana’s constitution. It represents an apocryphal event— Catholic faith—lived among the Salish in southwestern Montana and told tales of the in actuality no constitution needs the president’s signature. Once Congress approved “black robes” and their powerful religion. Consequently, in the 1830s the Salish sent Montana’s constitution, all that was required was the president’s declaration and several delegations to St. Louis, Missouri, in search of the Jesuit missionaries. Montana became the 41st state in the Union. Title: The Border Land Title: Signing of the Enabling Act Artist: Edgar S. Paxson (1852–1919) Artist: F. Pedretti’s Sons Medium: Oil on canvas Medium: Oil on canvas Date: 1912 Date:1902 Dimensions: 81" x 153" Dimensions: 84" x 48" Location: House of Representatives Lobby Location: Old Supreme Court

This painting symbolizes the meeting of two cultures as the arrival of Euro-American The three subjects of this mural are President Grover Cleveland (right), Secretary of settlers irrevocably altered the traditional life-ways of Montana’s first inhabitants. State Thomas F. Bayard (left), and Joseph K. Toole (standing), congressional delegate from Montana Territory. The event depicted is the signing of the “Omnibus Bill” on February 22, 1889, an enabling act which ultimately led to the creation of four new western states: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington.