Overview
English painter William Etty (1787) believed women were "God's most glorious work." His determination to present that glorious work in its finest light led to criticism in his day for his choice of nudes as subjects. Today, this nineteenth century painter deserves recognition for his place in the history of English art, a poor boy who struggled against all odds to live his dream as a painter, and who eventually achieved the title of academician at the Royal Academy of Arts.The life of William Etty is thoroughly explored and generously illustrated in this biography. The historical and cultural backdrop for Etty's life and works is studied throughout the book. Chapters detail his family background and childhood, his home in York, his life in London and at the Royal Academy, and his struggles to make a living. His studies in Italy and France and his career as a painter are explored in detail. His work with the York School of Design in the final decade of his life, his place in the fine arts market and his emulators are described. An appendix examines Etty's relationship with his niece Betsy, his caretaker, housekeeper and assistant.
Synopsis
English painter William Etty (1787) believed women were "God's most glorious work." His determination to present that glorious work in its finest light led to criticism in his day for his choice of nudes as subjects. Today, this nineteenth century painter deserves recognition for his place in the history of English art, a poor boy who struggled against all odds to live his dream as a painter, and who eventually achieved the title of academician at the Royal Academy of Arts.
The life of William Etty is thoroughly explored and generously illustrated in this biography. The historical and cultural backdrop for Etty's life and works is studied throughout the book. Chapters detail his family background and childhood, his home in York, his life in London and at the Royal Academy, and his struggles to make a living. His studies in Italy and France and his career as a painter are explored in detail. His work with the York School of Design in the final decade of his life, his place in the fine arts market and his emulators are described. An appendix examines Etty's relationship with his niece Betsy, his caretaker, housekeeper and assistant.
Martin Chasin - Library Journal
The work of English painter William Etty (1787-1849), although beautifully executed, is not well known today, but it has been more appreciated in recent decades. This volume goes far in restoring his reputation as a first-class artist. Robinson (former vice president, Friends of York Art Gallery) combines about as complete a biography of Etty with a critical and all-inclusive study of his work as we are ever likely to get. He traces Etty's life in great detail, follows his career at the York School of Design, and tracks his influence on a number of artists. The 101 photos (28 in color) demonstrate the quality of Etty's work and the development of his style, while the appendix examines the relationship between the artist and his live-in assistant/housekeeper niece, Betsy. This thoroughly researched, clearly written, and beautifully illustrated volume illuminates the career of a neglected accomplished painter. It is a massive work of scholarship that should be included in every art library.
Editorials
Library Journal
The work of English painter William Etty (1787-1849), although beautifully executed, is not well known today, but it has been more appreciated in recent decades. This volume goes far in restoring his reputation as a first-class artist. Robinson (former vice president, Friends of York Art Gallery) combines about as complete a biography of Etty with a critical and all-inclusive study of his work as we are ever likely to get. He traces Etty's life in great detail, follows his career at the York School of Design, and tracks his influence on a number of artists. The 101 photos (28 in color) demonstrate the quality of Etty's work and the development of his style, while the appendix examines the relationship between the artist and his live-in assistant/housekeeper niece, Betsy. This thoroughly researched, clearly written, and beautifully illustrated volume illuminates the career of a neglected accomplished painter. It is a massive work of scholarship that should be included in every art library.
—Martin Chasin