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John Russell Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

English, 1745-1806
Russell was born in Guildford, Surrey in 1745, his father John Snr was four times the mayor of the town and an artist himself. The young John Russell trained under Francis Cotes RA who was one of the pioneers of English pastel painting. Both he and Cotes were admirers of the celebrated Italian pastel artist Rosalba Carriera, her methods significantly influenced his technique of "sweetening". At 19 and much to the protests of his family teacher he converted to Methodism. In 1767 he set up his studio in London when he met the notorious Dr. William Dodd, whose portrait he painted in 1768. At this time he had met the Countess of Huntingdon along with many other members of the nobility. In 1770 he married Hannah Faden and moved to Cavendish Square London. he travelled extensively painting around Britain, in 1770 he entered The Royal Academy of Art and won the the gold medal the same year, he also exhibited at The Society of Artists, he exhibited around 330 works at the Academy between 1769 until his death. In 1788 he painted a number of important commissions that led to him being appointed as pastel painter to King George III, he also painted Queen Charlotte, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. By this time Russell had developed an extensive fashionable influential clientele. Russell was a deeply religious man and shunned the dinner circuit of London high society, due to concerns of being exposed to blasphemous conversation. He was however on good terms with Sir Joshua Reynolds with whom he dined with at the Academy, the Dilettanti Society and the Literary Club. Russell's work can be viewed at many of the prominent galleries in the UK and around the world including the National Portrait Gallery London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York but the largest collection is held by Guildford House Art Gallery in Guildford. Many of his portraits were engraved by, amongst others, Joseph Collyer, Charles Turner, James Heath, Dean, Bartolozzi and Trotter. Russell was troubled by ill-health he had contracted cholera and died of typhus in the city of Hull in 1806. John Russell is recognized as one of the greatest pastel painters.
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Artist: John Russell
“Hon. George King, 1788” Pastel Portrait, Young Boy with Cricket Ball and Dog
By John Russell
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“Hon. George King, 1788” by John Russell (1745-1806) Regarded as Britain’s foremost pastellist, John Russell is well known for his portraits of the wealthy middle class. In particul...
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1780s Old Masters John Russell Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Canvas, Paper, Pastel

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John Russell portrait drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic John Russell portrait drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by John Russell in crayon, pastel and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 18th century and is mostly associated with the Old Masters style. Not every interior allows for large John Russell portrait drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 18 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of and Michela De Vito. John Russell portrait drawings and watercolors prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11,149 and tops out at $11,149, while the average work can sell for $11,149.

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