Mrs. Robert Shurlock (Henrietta Ann Jane Russell, 1775–1849) and Her Daughter Ann 1801

John Russell’s 1801 pastel portrait, “Mrs. Robert Shurlock (Henrietta Ann Jane Russell, 1775–1849) and Her Daughter Ann,” captures a tender moment between mother and child. The soft, delicate tones of the pastel medium create a sense of intimacy and warmth, reflecting the loving bond between the two subjects. Henrietta is depicted in a simple white dress and a white turban, while her daughter Ann wears a white dress and bonnet, both adorned with lace. The work’s muted background further emphasizes the figures, allowing viewers to focus on their expressions and the familial connection. This pastel portrait, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a beautiful example of Russell’s skillful use of the medium to create a portrait that is both realistic and emotionally resonant.