Samuel Wesley (1766–1837) is depicted as a young composer, writing music for his Solo Anthem for Psalm 39, with an organ behind him, and the score of his oratorio ‘Ruth’ on the floor to the left. The real score for 'Ruth', now in the British Library, is landscape and not portrait in shape. Samuel’s suit was said to have been bought for him by Lord Mornington for his presentation to Court. His pose resembles that of an antique statue of the young classical god Mercury – or perhaps Apollo – both of whom allude to music. In his treatise ‘Elements of Painting with Crayons’ (1772), Russell suggests to the artist ‘that in making choice of a good subject. . . he should be directed in his choice by the opinion of the most experienced Artists, who all recommend the Study of the Antique and other approved Plaister Figures previous to the drawing after living models.