Nu

A spectacular small-scale painting, with one of the finest frames we have had. Please read the dimensions carefully, and also the artist bio. The painting is not signed but has been attributed to William Etty by experts. 

This small painting of a nude woman, wrapped in a white cloth, is made from tiny brushstrokes, and the delicate layering and sparseness of color. The figure appears to dip her legs in a pond of pool of water, and the movement of the foreground and background speak to the dynamism of the forest and her surroundings. She is reminiscent of a nymph or goddess, and her pale beauty against the dark forest and rich maroon and deep blue colors is captivating. Upon close inspection, the beauty and delicacy of this painting are further highlighted.

The frame is a piece of art in itself; it is a Provencal style openwork frame in carved wood with gold leaf, decorated with vine leaves and grapes, tied in a bow at the bottom. The frame is in great condition, only the upper tip of the top-most leaf is rounded off. Early 1800's.

William Etty (1787–1849) was a celebrated English painter known for his academic nudes and vibrant historical compositions. Born in York, he developed his artistic skills early on and studied at the Royal Academy in London under prominent artists like Sir Thomas Lawrence. Etty gained recognition with works such as The Coral Finders and The Arrival of Cleopatra in Cilicia, earning full membership in the Royal Academy in 1828.

His travels across Europe, particularly in Italy, deeply influenced his style. Etty opened a school for academic nude painting in 1830 and returned to York in 1848. Notable works include The Combat and Joan of Arc, showcasing his mastery in celebrating the human form and mythological themes.

• Overall Size: 9.4" x 6.6" / 24cm x 17cm.
• Size without the frame: 3.9" x 2.7" / 10.5cm x 7cm.
• Country: United Kingdom.
  
• Attributed to: William Etty (1787–1849). 
• Date: Early 19th century. 
• Materials: Oil painting on wood panel in a gilded frame decorated with vine leaves.
• Condition: The painting itself is in wonderful condition for its age, with no notable damages or missing pieces. The frame is also in good condition, but has a missing rounded top to the upper-most leaf, which is quite discreet.
• Shipping: This painting includes free shipping. An additional fee is applied for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.