Olaf Carl Seltzer Paintings

Olaf Carl Seltzer was a Danish-American artist known for his works depicting the American West. Born on September 27, 1877, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Seltzer immigrated to the United States at the age of 19 and settled in Great Falls, Montana. His move to Montana would have a profound impact on his artistic career, as the landscapes, people, and history of the area became central themes in his work.

Seltzer developed an interest in art at an early age, but it was in Montana where he found his true calling. He became a close friend and protégé of the famous cowboy artist Charles M. Russell, who also lived in Great Falls. Russell's influence is evident in Seltzer's style and subject matter, which often included scenes of cowboys, Native Americans, and the rugged terrain of the West.

Throughout his career, Seltzer worked in a variety of mediums, including oil painting, watercolor, and etching. His attention to detail and ability to capture the spirit of the West earned him recognition during his lifetime, and his works were exhibited in various galleries and museums.

Seltzer continued to paint the American West throughout his life, creating a body of work that not only reflected his personal experiences but also served as a visual history of the region during a time of significant change. He remained in Montana until his death on August 4, 1957. Today, Seltzer's art is considered an important contribution to the genre of Western American art and is highly sought after by collectors and historians.