Olaf Carl Seltzer, known as O. C. Seltzer, was a Danish-American artist, born on August 27, 1878, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He emigrated to the United States at the age of 19 and settled in Great Falls, Montana. There, he became an apprentice to a local painter and was heavily influenced by the cowboy culture and the American West landscape, which would become central themes in his work. Although you have mentioned 'O. Frolich', it appears there may be a mix-up with the names, as O. C. Seltzer is a well-documented artist from that period, while 'O. Frolich' does not match a known artist's name from my database. Assuming the reference is to O. C. Seltzer, I will continue with his biography.
Seltzer's early work focused on the life of cowboys, Native Americans, and the landscapes of Montana. His paintings often depicted scenes of the Old West, capturing the rough and romantic aspects of frontier life. He was influenced by other artists such as Charles M. Russell, a family friend and a renowned painter of the American West, who also resided in Great Falls.
Throughout his career, Seltzer's style evolved, and he became known for his attention to detail and historical accuracy. His works were characterized by a realism that brought to life the stories of the American West. He often used subdued colors and careful composition to convey the mood and atmosphere of his subjects.
Seltzer's paintings gained recognition, and he exhibited his work in various galleries and museums. Despite the Great Depression, which affected many artists, Seltzer continued to find buyers for his work, and his paintings remain sought after by collectors of Western American art to this day.
O. C. Seltzer passed away on February 25, 1939, in Great Falls, leaving behind a significant body of work that contributes to the visual history of the American West. His legacy is preserved through his art, which continues to be celebrated in exhibitions and collections throughout the United States.