The Trial of William Lord Russell

The Trial of William Lord Russell in 1683 is an 1825 history painting by the British artist George Hayter.[1] It portrays the trial at the Old Bailey in London of William Russell, Lord Russell, a Whig who was convicted of treason for his alleged part in the Rye House Plot of 1683 to assassinate Charles II and his brother and heir James, Duke of York. The painting portrays Russell's trial and conviction, shortly before his execution.

The Trial of William Lord Russell
ArtistGeorge Hayter
Year1825
TypeOil on canvas, historical painting
LocationLondon

Hayter had already developed his reputation for portraying dramatic scenes with his Trial of Queen Caroline, finished in 1823. This subsequent work was exhibited at the Royal Academy's summer exhibition at Somerset House in 1823. For this work he was commissioned by the Duke of Bedford, who was descended from the executed man, and it is sympathetic in tone.[2] Hayter went on to paint further crowd scenes including The Reformed House of Commons as well as three paintings depicting the coronation, wedding and baptism of the heir of Queen Victoria.

References
  1. Ormond p.40
  2. Miller

Bibliography
  • Miller, Henry. Politics personified: Portraiture, caricature and visual culture in Britain, c.1830–80. Manchester University Press, 16 May 2016
  • Ormond, Richard. Edwin Landseer: The Private Drawings. Unicorn Press, 2009.
  • Schwoerer, Lois G. Lady Rachel Russell: "One of the Best of Women". JHU Press, 2019.
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