Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius

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Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius, (1869 – 1959, American), “Moose, Upper Ram River Valley (detail),” 1935

oil on canvas, 76.2 x 101.6 cm. RuC.02.05. (courtesy of the Whyte Museum Collection)

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 26th at 7:00pm

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies invites you to explore Capturing the Wild, an exhibition celebrating the remarkable work of Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (1869–1959). Born in Germany and trained at the Berlin Kunstschule and Kunstakademie, Rungius developed his artistic skills through intensive studies of animal anatomy and his passion for the outdoors. His early experience sketching live animals and carcasses led to a realistic painting style that earned him recognition as North America's most important big-game naturalist painter.

In 1896, Rungius emigrated to the United States, where he gained prominence as an illustrator for sporting books and magazines. His artistic journey brought him to Banff in 1910, where he was invited by local guide and outfitter Jimmy Simpson. This trip marked the beginning of Rungius’s lifelong connection to the Rockies, where he spent nearly five decades capturing the rugged beauty of the region.

Capturing the Wild showcases a selection of Rungius’s paintings and sketches from our collection, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his work. From dynamic depictions of wildlife to majestic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Rungius’s art reflects his deep understanding of nature. His innovative approach of situating animals in their natural environments set a new standard in wildlife art. Join us as we celebrate Rungius’s legacy and his enduring influence on the art of the Canadian Rockies.