This white marble bust of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford, with his head turned to the right, classical cloak loosely draped over his left shoulder, and fashionable short hair brushed forward, is possibly a version of a bust that Nollekens made in 1808 for the Duke's family country residence at Woburn. The bust is one of a series of portraits of close friends and prominent Whig politicians that George IV - as Prince of Wales and Prince Regent - commissioned from Nollekens between 1804 and 1815, to enhance the decoration of the interiors at Carlton House. This bust was commissioned in 1811 and it was received at Carlton House on 11th June 1811.