Framed Pastel: Love Songs and Matches by John Russell (1745–1806). Pastel on paper, 1793
Key information
Museum number
A366
Object
Framed Pastel: Love Songs and Matches by John Russell (1745–1806). Pastel on paper, 1793
Gallery label
Love Songs and Matches
John Russell (1745–1806)
Pastel on paper, 1793
John Russell was a master of pastel, a soft-textured medium whose bright colours were ideal for images of children.
This little match boy with his vivid cheeks, ragged coat and fluffy dog is selling printed ballad sheets and bundles of home-made matches. His large bright eyes, gazing straight at the viewer, are echoed by the eyes of the dog as it begs on its hind legs. One of Russell’s finest works, this was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1793.
Bequest of Ernest E. Cook through the Art Fund, 1955
A366
John Russell (1745–1806)
Pastel on paper, 1793
John Russell was a master of pastel, a soft-textured medium whose bright colours were ideal for images of children.
This little match boy with his vivid cheeks, ragged coat and fluffy dog is selling printed ballad sheets and bundles of home-made matches. His large bright eyes, gazing straight at the viewer, are echoed by the eyes of the dog as it begs on its hind legs. One of Russell’s finest works, this was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1793.
Bequest of Ernest E. Cook through the Art Fund, 1955
A366
On display?
No
