Early Life and Training

William Etty, a prominent English artist, was born on March 10, 1787, in York, United Kingdom. He left school at the age of 12 to become an apprentice printer in Hull, completing his apprenticeship seven years later. In 1807, he joined the Royal Academy Schools in London, where he studied under Thomas Lawrence.

Rise to Prominence and Controversy

Etty's breakthrough came with his painting Cleopatra's Arrival in Cilicia, exhibited in 1821, which featured numerous nudes and was met with great acclaim. This success led to further depictions of historical scenes with nudes, earning him a reputation for indecency. Despite the controversy, Etty was elected a Royal Academician in 1828, a testament to his skill and influence.

Notable Works and Style

* The Wrestlers, an oil study from life, depicting a black and white wrestler grappling, showcasing Etty's fascination with contrasts in skin tones. * Candaules, King of Lydia, Shews his Wife by Stealth to Gyges, One of his Ministers, as She Goes to Bed, a painting that sparked controversy due to its perceived immoral nature.

Legacy and Later Years

Etty's later years saw a decline in the quality of his work, but he remained prolific. He died on November 13, 1849, in York, where his works are now highly collectable. A major retrospective exhibition at the York Art Gallery in 2011–12 renewed interest in his work.

• View William Etty's artworks on WahooArt
• Read more about The Wrestlers on Wikipedia
• Explore the greatest paintings of all time on WahooArt

Key Points: * First significant British painter of nudes and still lifes * Elected Royal Academician in 1828 * Notable for his contrasts in skin tones and moral lessons in his work

Early Life and Training

William Etty, a prominent English artist, was born on March 10, 1787, in York, United Kingdom. He left school at the age of 12 to become an apprentice printer in Hull, completing his apprenticeship seven years later. In 1807, he joined the Royal Academy Schools in London, where he studied under Thomas Lawrence and trained by copying works by other artists.

Artistic Career

Etty's breakthrough came with Cleopatra's Arrival in Cilicia, painted in 1821, which featured numerous nudes and was exhibited to great acclaim. This success prompted further depictions of historical scenes with nudes, earning him a reputation for indecency. Despite this, he was commercially successful and critically acclaimed, becoming a Royal Academician in 1828.

Notable Works and Controversy

• Standing Female Nude, a painting that showcases Etty's mastery of realistic flesh tones.
• The Sirens and Ulysses, a work that demonstrates his ability to balance historical scenes with nudity.
• Etty's inclusion in Tate Britain's landmark Exposed: The Victorian Nude exhibition in 2001–02, which led to renewed interest in his work.

Legacy and Later Life

Despite being a shy man who rarely socialized and never married, Etty continued to paint both male and female nudes, causing severe criticism. He died on November 13, 1849, in York, but his works became highly collectable, selling for large sums. Important Links: * William Etty's Artworks * William Etty on Wikipedia * Standing Female Nude by William Etty

Conclusion

William Etty, a pioneer of British nudity, left an indelible mark on the art world. His works, though once controversial, now serve as a testament to his skill and dedication to capturing the human form. Explore more of Etty's artworks on WahooArt.com.