John Russell R.A. 1745-1806

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Description

John Russell R.A.
Portrait of a Lady
signed c.l.: J. Russell pt /1784
pastel, in a frame of c.1750
60 by 45.2 cm., 23 5/8 by 17 3/4 in.

half-length in a white dress and white fichu, wearing a voile and organza cap trimmed with ribbon, reading a book

Provenance

Bakers of Bayfordbury, Hertfordshire;
by family descent;
Anonymous sale Christies, London, 21st November, 2001, lot 2 (bt. by the present owner)

Catalogue Note

The sitter in the present portrait has traditionally been identified as Lady Bellamont. It is recorded that John Russell drew portraits of both Lord and Lady Bellamont in 1784, (see. G.C. Williamson, John Russell, R.A., 1894, p. 140).

This portrait once belonged to the Baker family of Bayfordbury who owned a distinguished art collection which included a number of Sir Godfrey Kneller's famous Kit-cat Club Portraits.