This chromolithograph, distributed by a Chicago brewer in the 1890s, depicts one part of a two-part subject that is identical to two early models in painted wax and other materials that Russell created for display in a club room on Central Avenue in Great Falls in December 1893. The Great Falls Tribune described the group as a cowboy, an Indian, and a Chinese man playing cards. “They are sitting in their accustomed way on the grass with a blanket before them,” the newspaper noted. “Each has cards in his hands but the Chinaman has the best of the layout as far as the game has progressed.” The scowls of disapproval on the two other players are clearly visible. In addition to the model, Russell also produced a painting of the same subject, and it is likely that he used this commercial chromolithographic advertisement for his inspiration. In this period, Russell was copying illustrations and other published sources in order to learn more about artistic techniques such as shading, modeling, perspective, and composition.