William Etty (1787 - 1849) - photo 1

William Etty

William Etty was an esteemed English painter renowned for his history paintings, especially those containing nude figures. He was recognized as the first significant British artist to focus on nudes and still lifes. Despite facing criticism for the perceived indecency of his work, William Etty achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim, particularly after his painting "Cleopatra's Arrival in Cilicia" in 1821, which showcased his skill in painting realistic flesh tones​​​​.

William Etty's journey in art began after he completed an apprenticeship in printing, moving to London to join the Royal Academy Schools in 1807. There, he was influenced by the works of Venetian artists and the teachings on history painting, emphasizing the works of Titian and Rubens. By 1825, his reputation was solidified with his election as a Royal Academician, a testament to his success and impact on the art world​​​​.

His works, often focused on mythological or historical subjects, are celebrated for their sensuous portrayal of the nude form. Despite facing backlash for his subject matter, William Etty remained a popular figure throughout his life. His legacy lives on in collections like the York Art Gallery, which holds a significant number of his pieces, reflecting his dedication to painting, particularly the human figure in its most natural form​​.

For art collectors and experts, William Etty's oeuvre offers a unique exploration of the nude form, blending historical and mythological narratives with lifelike realism. If you're interested in learning more about Etty's work and staying updated on exhibitions or sales featuring his paintings, consider subscribing for updates dedicated to his artistry. This subscription will keep you informed about new discoveries, auction events, and exhibitions related to William Etty's enduring legacy.

Date and place of birt:10 march 1787, York, United Kingdom
Date and place of death:13 november 1849, York, United Kingdom
Nationality:United Kingdom
Period of activity: XIX century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Genre:History painting, Nude art, Mythological painting
Art style:Academism, Romanticism

Creators United Kingdom

Robert Barker (1739 - 1806)
Robert Barker
1739 - 1806
Frederic James Shields (1833 - 1911)
Frederic James Shields
1833 - 1911
Joseph Paul (1804 - 1887)
Joseph Paul
1804 - 1887
John Sell Cotman (1782 - 1842)
John Sell Cotman
1782 - 1842
John Romer (1715 - XVIII century)
John Romer
1715 - XVIII century
Allen Freer (1926)
Allen Freer
1926
Dominic Serres (1722 - 1793)
Dominic Serres
1722 - 1793
Marcus Harvey (1963)
Marcus Harvey
1963
Walter Thomas Monnington (1902 - 1976)
Walter Thomas Monnington
1902 - 1976
Daniel Macnee (1806 - 1882)
Daniel Macnee
1806 - 1882
Sophia Rosamond Praeger (1867 - 1954)
Sophia Rosamond Praeger
1867 - 1954
Caroline Walker (1982)
Caroline Walker
1982
James Miller (1962)
James Miller
1962
John William Waterhouse (1849 - 1917)
John William Waterhouse
1849 - 1917
William Llewellyn (1858 - 1941)
William Llewellyn
1858 - 1941
Joseph Goupy (1689 - 1769)
Joseph Goupy
1689 - 1769

Creators Academism

Carl Heinrich Rahl (1779 - 1843)
Carl Heinrich Rahl
1779 - 1843
Charles Towne (1763 - 1840)
Charles Towne
1763 - 1840
Michael Angelo Rooker (1743 - 1801)
Michael Angelo Rooker
1743 - 1801
Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps (1803 - 1860)
Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps
1803 - 1860
Eugène Gluck (1820 - 1898)
Eugène Gluck
1820 - 1898
André Léon Larue (1785 - 1834)
André Léon Larue
1785 - 1834
Franz Albert Venus (1842 - 1871)
Franz Albert Venus
1842 - 1871
Claude Soulary (1792 - 1870)
Claude Soulary
1792 - 1870
Carl Friedrich Sandhaas (1801 - 1859)
Carl Friedrich Sandhaas
1801 - 1859
Wiktor Korecki (1890 - 1980)
Wiktor Korecki
1890 - 1980
Pierre Couzy (1942)
Pierre Couzy
1942
Carl Adloff (1819 - 1863)
Carl Adloff
1819 - 1863
Hermann von Kaulbach (1846 - 1909)
Hermann von Kaulbach
1846 - 1909
Eduard Gaertner (1801 - 1877)
Eduard Gaertner
1801 - 1877
John Gould (1804 - 1881)
John Gould
1804 - 1881
Ernst Gustav Doerell (1832 - 1877)
Ernst Gustav Doerell
1832 - 1877
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