Moosy

Many of Carl Rungius’ most heroic and impressive paintings of animals in the wilderness depict the moose, one of North America's most majestic. As noted by the artist's biographers, Michael Frost and Douglas Allen, "For centuries, in Europe and America, the moose has been synonymous with all that is wilderness and wild. 'To the European the stag comes first', noted Rungius. 'In my case, it was my thrill at seeing in an exhibition in Berlin the painting of a bull moose by Richard Friese. I was an impressionable boy. To me that moose was the essence of the wilderness itself.' Rungius had more experience in the field hunting this antlered giant than with any other species of North American big game. For Rungius' favorite subject, the Canadian province of New Brunswick became the backdrop in scores of paintings…. It was said of Remington, 'He knew the horse.' These sentiments can also apply to Carl Rungius, 'He knew the moose.'" (Majesty and Wilderness: Works by Carl Rungius, exhibition catalogue, Corning, New York, 1985, p. 12)

In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt visited Rungius in his studio. "As they talked," recount Frost and Allen, "Roosevelt couldn't help but notice a large oil of a New Brunswick moose on the easel. Although still in the final stages of completion Roosevelt was so moved by the work he purchased it on the spot. 'That is the most spirited animal painting I have ever seen! I'll take it.' Then he discovered a bronze of a moose on the bookcase and said, 'I'll take that, too.'" (Majesty and Wilderness: Works by Carl Rungius, p. 28)