William Etty, English painter and academic (d. 1849)

William Etty: A Pioneering Master of the Nude in British Art

Born on March 10, 1787, in the historic city of York, William Etty emerged as a truly singular figure in English art history, most renowned for his ambitious history paintings replete with nude figures. He holds the distinction of being the first significant British painter to boldly embrace the nude and still life genres, challenging the artistic conventions of his era. Etty's early life saw him leave school at the tender age of 12, embarking on an apprenticeship as a printer in Hull. Seven years later, having completed his printing duties, the young Etty moved to London, a city that would become the crucible of his artistic development. In 1807, he gained entry to the prestigious Royal Academy Schools, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of the esteemed Thomas Lawrence and by meticulously copying the works of other masters. While his remarkable ability to render realistic flesh tones earned him considerable respect within the Royal Academy of Arts, commercial success and critical acclaim proved elusive during his initial years in the bustling capital.

The Ascent of a Controversial Talent

Breaking Through with Cleopatra and the Nude

The year 1821 marked a pivotal moment in Etty's career with the unveiling of his magnificent "Cleopatra's Arrival in Cilicia." This monumental work, featuring numerous nudes, was met with widespread public and critical acclaim, catapulting Etty into the spotlight. Its resounding success inspired him to create several more dramatic depictions of historical scenes, each frequently populated with nude figures. Indeed, almost every work he exhibited at the Royal Academy throughout the 1820s incorporated at least one nude, solidifying his reputation – and, for some, his notoriety – for indecency. Despite these moralistic qualms from certain quarters, Etty’s commercial fortunes soared, and critical appreciation for his artistry deepened. His talent was undeniable, and in 1828, he was elected a Royal Academician, a profound honor considered the pinnacle of achievement for an artist in Britain at the time. Interestingly, even as one of the most respected artists in the country, William Etty maintained an unwavering commitment to learning, continuing to attend life classes throughout his life – a practice that his contemporaries often viewed as rather unconventional or even inappropriate for an artist of his stature.

Diversification and Enduring Critique

The 1830s saw Etty expand his artistic repertoire, venturing into the more lucrative, though perhaps less esteemed, field of portraiture. Later, he also made history as the first English painter to create significant still lifes, showcasing his versatility beyond the grandeur of historical narratives. Yet, his enduring passion for painting both male and female nudes continued to be a source of contention, drawing severe criticism and outright condemnation from certain elements of the press, who found his subjects too risqué for Victorian sensibilities. Etty's dedication to the human form, however, remained unwavering, a testament to his artistic vision.

A Quiet Life and Lasting Impact on York

Personal Life and Local Champion

Despite the often dramatic and sensual nature of his paintings, William Etty himself was known as an intensely shy and retiring man. He rarely engaged in social gatherings and, notably, never married. From 1824 until his passing, he shared his home with his niece, Betsy (Elizabeth Etty). Even while immersed in the vibrant art scene of London, Etty retained a profound affection for his native York. He actively contributed to the cultural landscape of his hometown, playing an instrumental role in the establishment of York's first art school and passionately campaigning for the preservation of its ancient city walls. Furthermore, while he never formally renounced his Methodist faith, Etty harbored a deep spiritual affinity for the Roman Catholic Church. This was evident when he became one of the few non-Catholics to attend the significant 1838 opening of Augustus Pugin's chapel for St Mary's College, Oscott, which at that point was considered England's most important Roman Catholic edifice.

From Decline to Rediscovery: Etty's Enduring Legacy

The Ebb and Flow of Artistic Fortune

The 1840s were a period of prolific output and commercial success for William Etty, yet a discernible decline in the quality of his work became apparent during this decade. As his health gradually worsened, he eventually retired to his beloved York in 1848. He passed away in 1849, shortly after a major retrospective exhibition celebrated his career. In the immediate aftermath of his death, Etty's works surged in popularity, becoming highly sought after by collectors and commanding substantial prices. However, artistic tastes are ever-changing, and his work eventually fell out of fashion. Imitators, who had initially flocked to his style, soon abandoned it, and by the close of the 19th century, the value of his paintings had dipped below their original selling prices. For much of the 20th century, outside of his native York, William Etty remained a largely overlooked figure in art history.

Modern Reassessment and Renewed Interest

The turn of the millennium, however, brought a significant revival of interest in William Etty's pioneering art. His inclusion in Tate Britain's landmark "Exposed: The Victorian Nude" exhibition in 2001–02 – a show that re-examined the complex relationship between art and morality in the Victorian era – reignited scholarly and public curiosity. This was followed by the high-profile restoration of his monumental painting "The Sirens and Ulysses" in 2010, further bringing his mastery to contemporary attention. Finally, a major retrospective of his work at the York Art Gallery in 2011–12 cemented his re-evaluation, ensuring that William Etty is once again recognized as an important and trailblazing English artist whose exploration of the nude pushed boundaries and shaped the course of British art.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Etty

Who was William Etty?
William Etty (1787–1849) was a prominent English artist, celebrated for his history paintings, often featuring nude figures. He was a pioneering painter of nudes and still lifes in Britain.
What is William Etty best known for?
Etty is best known for his large-scale history paintings that prominently incorporate nude figures. He was unique for his time in his dedication to depicting the human form and his skill in rendering realistic flesh tones.
When and where was William Etty born?
He was born on March 10, 1787, in York, England.
When did William Etty die?
William Etty died on November 13, 1849, in York, England.
Where did Etty study art?
After an apprenticeship as a printer, he moved to London and joined the Royal Academy Schools in 1807, studying under Thomas Lawrence and copying works by other artists.
What major work brought him acclaim?
His painting "Cleopatra's Arrival in Cilicia," exhibited in 1821, featured numerous nudes and received significant public and critical success, marking a turning point in his career.
Was Etty controversial?
Yes, his frequent depiction of nudes in his paintings earned him a reputation for indecency among some critics and parts of the press, despite his commercial success and artistic recognition as a Royal Academician.
What was Etty's connection to York?
Even while living in London, Etty maintained a strong connection to his hometown of York. He was instrumental in establishing York's first art school and campaigned to preserve the city walls.
How has his work been viewed over time?
Initially very popular after his death, Etty's work later fell out of fashion in the late 19th and most of the 20th centuries. However, modern exhibitions and restorations, like Tate Britain's "Exposed: The Victorian Nude" and the restoration of "The Sirens and Ulysses," have led to a significant revival of interest in his art.