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

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