The cake in danger

The present pastel is the only known autograph later version of Russell's 1788 Royal Academy exhibit, no. 421, which is signed and dated 1787 and was engraved by Nutter. Other copies of the pastel are known. The sitter is traditionally identified as the artist's son Tom. The handbill with care instructions attached to the reverse is copied in G.C. Williamson, John Russell, R.A., London, 1893, p. 89, without the printer's colophon.

We are grateful to Neil Jeffares for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.