The six paintings on the ceiling in the Senate Chambers were all done by F. Pedretti's Sons in 1901-1902. The paintings are oil on canvas and vary in size from 14' x 17' to 14' x 8 1/2'. They depict various historical themes relating to Montana. The large paintings are valued by the art conservator at $25,000 each and the smaller paintings at $15,000 each.

• Lewis and Clark at Three Forks by Charles A. Pedretti
  "Captain Lewis standing, Captain Clark sitting, Sacajawea and York." (South, Left Side)
• Dawson and Chouteau at Old Fort Benton by Charles A. Pedretti
  "Fur-traders", Dawson standing, Chouteau sitting, Fort Benton in background. Dawson and Chouteau Counties named for them. (Panel to Right)
• The Louisiana Purchase by Charles A. Pedretti
  Jefferson, Livingston, Napolean, Marbois and Monroe, 1803. (Over speaker's desk - no such meeting of Napolean and Jefferson took place.)
• Prospectors at Nelson Gulch by Charles A. Pedretti
  (Right Side of Senate)
• Fathers Ravalli and DeSmet at St. Mary's Mission by Charles A. Pedretti
  Fathers Ravallie and DeSmet were early day priests with Flathead Indians in 1841.
• Custer's Last Battle by Charles A. Pedretti
  June 25, 1876. (East Panel)
• When the Land Belonged to God by Charles M. Russell
  Behind the speaker's desk in the Senate is a reproduction of a Charles M. Russell painting. The original is in the Montana Historical Society.

A virtual tour of the Senate Gallery is also available. You'll be able to navigate through the Senate Chambers, seeing the paintings and stained glass as they actually are in the room.

Reference: Historic Structure Report - Montana State Capitol Building, prepared for State of Montana Architectural/Engineering Office by James R. McDonald, Architect; November, 1981.