A boy blowing bubbles, traditionally identified as the artist's son William at the age of ten

A version of this pastel was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1794 (no. 142). It was later included in the artist's studio sale, Christie's London, 14 February 1807, lot 118 and is illustrated in G.C. Williamson, John Russell R.A., London, 1930, pp. 115, 122 and 151.
John Russell had twelve children, four of whom died in infancy. William (1782-1870) was the second youngest and inherited his father's talent for portrait painting. He exhibited seven pictures at the Royal Academy from 1805-1809, but in 1809 when he was ordained as Rector of Shepperton, he took a vow never to touch pencil or brush again, for fear that his love for art might interfere with or displace his spiritual duties. He was Rector at Shepperton for forty years.