_-_The_Choice_of_Paris_-_246_-_Scarborough_Art_Gallery.jpg&width=1200)
The Choice of Paris
William Etty·1846
Historical Context
The Choice of Paris at Scarborough Art Gallery, painted in 1846, depicts the mythological beauty contest judged by the Trojan prince. The subject allowed Etty to display three competing female nudes, a composition that showcased his specialty. Etty's technical approach was shaped by deep study of Venetian Renaissance colorism — especially Titian and Rubens — absorbed during his travels to the Continent, and applied throughout his career to create the most sensuous figurative painting in British
Technical Analysis
The three goddesses are arranged to display varied ideals of female beauty. Etty's warm flesh tones and sensuous modeling demonstrate his lifelong dedication to the academic nude.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the three goddesses arranged to display varied ideals of female beauty — the Judgement of Paris allowing Etty to showcase his specialty of the competitive female nude.
- ◆Look at the warm flesh tones and sensuous modeling in this 1846 Scarborough Art Gallery painting demonstrating his lifelong dedication to the academic nude.
- ◆Observe a late treatment of the mythological beauty contest that Etty returned to repeatedly throughout his career.
_-_Head_of_a_Cardinal_-_FA.72(O)_-_Victoria_and_Albert_Museum.jpg&width=400)
_-_The_Ring_-_997-1886_-_Victoria_and_Albert_Museum.jpg&width=400)
.jpg&width=600)