Mrs. Decourcy

Russell was one of the most popular pastel artists in late eighteenth-century England, commanding a large and fashionable clientele. His use of colors such as red, blue, and yellow on blue paper give his portraits a lively brilliancy, while the smudging of the outlines creates a blurred effect, lending volume to the figure. In this striking image, Russell depicts the sitter, probably the wife of his friend the Reverend R. Decourcy, as a glamorous, somewhat enigmatic beauty. The white-gloved hand, one finger resting on her temple, the slight arch of her left eyebrow, and the subtle upward curve of her lips, give the impression that she is perhaps caught up in a pleasant inner fantasy. Though not a famous woman, Mrs. Decourcy's enchanting portrait would have provided a prize to collectors.