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William Etty, R.A. , crossing the line of Victorian propriety

Posted in 19th Century, Aubrey Beardsley, Babylon Beefcake, John Everett Millais, R.A. on May 6, 2011 by babylonbaroque

I am now reading Linda Gertner Zatlin’s excellent Beardsley Japonisme and the perversion of the Victorian ideal ; in her study of fin de siecle subversiveness she references William Etty. William Etty’s historical and allegorical paintings were frequently criticized by his contemporaries as being mere excuses to portray fleshy pulchritude. As Zatlin states his paintings “broke the code of acceptable public decorum”, the beauty he portrayed flagrantly crossed that cultural line violating the unspoken yet understood decree that art be free of open sexuality.

Although best known for his glorious female figures, I rather predictably will focus on the male nude.

I appreciate the indulgence.

Reclining male nude, raised right knee

1815-1845

oil on millboard

source

With this study as an example it is clear wht Zatlin states that Victorians were far more comfortable with the subtle eroticism of Millais’s Mariana (1851).

John Everett Millais

Mariana

1851

oil on board

Tate

Mariana’s languor though apparent is respectable, Etty was not inclined to that sort of respectability, thank goodness.

William Etty, R.A.

Sleeping Nymph and Satyrs

1828

oil on canvas

Royal Academy

Etty was masterful at depicting the nude and wisely ignored the demand that he “turn from his wicked ways” and create paintings “fit for decent company”.

I must be quite indecent and quite wicked for I love William Etty and his flamboyantly sensual paintings.

Male nude, arms upstretched

Study of male nude

1815-1820

oil on paper on board

Royal Academy

Hero, Having Thrown herself from the Tower at the Sight of Leander Drowned, dies on his Body

exhibited 1829

Tate

For those of you in the U.K. what appears to be a marvelous exhibition William Etty: Art and Controversy will open June 25th (closing January 12th 2012) at the York Art Gallery. I hope you can catch it, I plan to pre-order the catalog.