She married the Duke of Devonshire in 1774 and became the undisputed queen of fashion, a famous beauty, an influential hostess and an important figure in the politics of the time.
Russell was born in Guildford, son of the Mayor, and educated at Guildford Grammar School. He studied crayon drawing with Francis Cotes until 1767; he entered the Royal Academy School in 1770 where he was a Silver Medallist. He was elected ARA 1772, RA 1778.
Based in London, he toured the provinces producing attractive crayon portraits and the occasional oil. He published 'Elements of Painting with Crayons' in 1772 and was appointed Crayon Painter to the King and to the Prince of Wales in 1790.
Russell was a keen astronomer; he inherited a large estate in 1781.
After 1790 he worked mainly in Yorkshire, dying of typhoid in Hull in 1806. He is buried beneath the choir of Holy Trinity, Hull.
Russell's paintings are in the National Portrait Gallery; the Royal Collection; the British Museum etc etc.
SIZE: 35 x 26.5 inches inc. frame.
29 x 20.5 inches unframed.
PROVENANCE: Devonshire Private Collection.
NOTE: PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Sold...portrait of a Lady C.1785, Thought to Be Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire; Attributed to John Russell R.A.
