_-_A_Child_Asleep_-_1923.1.5_-_Tamworth_Castle.jpg&width=1200)
A Child Asleep
William Etty·c. 1805
Historical Context
A sleeping child, rendered with tender observation, demonstrates Etty's ability to convey vulnerability and innocence through the relaxed forms of slumber. Painted around 1805 and held at Tamworth Castle, this intimate study stands in contrast to the dramatic mythological and historical subjects for which Etty is best known. The subject connects to a long tradition of sleeping child imagery in European painting, from Renaissance putti to Reynolds's fancy pictures of children.
Technical Analysis
Etty's flesh painting achieves particular delicacy here, with the soft, unblemished skin of childhood rendered through luminous glazes. The relaxed pose eliminates the muscular definition that characterizes his adult studies, requiring instead subtle modeling of rounded, pliant forms. Warm tones predominate, with the sleeping face receiving the most careful attention.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the tender observation of childhood sleep — the soft, unblemished skin rendered through luminous glazes, with the relaxed forms eliminating the muscular definition of adult studies.
- ◆Look at the warm tones predominating, with the gentle handling appropriate to the vulnerability and innocence of the sleeping child.
- ◆Observe this intimate Tamworth Castle study standing in contrast to the dramatic mythological subjects that dominated Etty's 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)
