Although better known today for his bronze sculptures, Russell developed a reputation for his work in wax. He grew so skilled with his modeling ability that he frequently entertained people by sculpting small figures of animals behind his back or in his pockets, or over the course of telling a story. Most of his figures were done in beeswax, then mounted on a plaster or wood base; the more elaborate models he painted with thinned-down oil colors and added extra touches to, as seen here. The title of this work reveals Russell’s self-awareness of his fame and persona as a western artist; the language mirrors advertising for Buffalo Bill Cody’s famous Wild West shows, which often touted that “Buffalo Bill Himself” would appear.

—Text taken from the Carter Handbook (2023)