William Etty was born in Feasegate, York. He trained
at the Royal Academy Schools, and dedicated the rest of his life to art.
His single-minded interest in the nude, and the sensuality of his portrayals
(often on a grand scale) created a scandal. Today, he is appreciated
particlarly for his smaller works which include still lifes (in which he was a
pioneer) and portraits. The above delightful subject is generally identified as
his grand-niece, Mary Ann Purdon.The Most up-to-date and comprehensive
assessment of the artist is to be found in
William Etty: the life and art,
by Leonard Robinson.
