John Russell R.A.

The Reverend G. Medley, Colchester;
Francis Wellesley;
The Syrett sale, Robinson & Fisher, London, 29 May 1924, lot 101;
Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 9 December, 1931, lot 92

George C. Williamson, John Russell R.A., 1894, p. 154

The pastel has remained in very good condition. There is some minor rubbing located in the bottom right hand edge of the sheet and a curved rubbed line at the sitter's right hand side.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

George Medley was the father of John Medley (1804-1892), Bishop of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Little is known about the sitter's life, although the Dictionary of National Biography records that 'he died while his son [John] was still young'. He married twice, firstly to a Miss Paul and secondly to a lady called Henrietta.

Although the present portrait is not dated, it is likely that Russell executed this pastel in 1777. The pair to this work, a Portrait of Mrs George Medley, neé Paul, survives and is signed and dated to that year. That work was sold at Sotheby's, New York, 16^th January 1985, lot 91.