John Peter Russell

b. 1858 — d. 1930

John Peter Russell (16 June 1858 – 30 April 1930) was an Australian impressionist painter. Born and raised in Sydney, Russell moved to Europe in his late teenage years to attend art school. A "man's man", popular with other students, Russell befriended fellow pupil Vincent van Gogh, and painted the first portrait of the future world-famous artist, now held at the Van Gogh Museum. Van Gogh maintained correspondence with Russell throughout his life. Russell's work was also admired by the French Impressionists, with whom he often painted. Russell returned to Sydney in old age, where he died. His works are held in major galleries in his home country and in Europe.