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Venus and Cupid
William Etty·c. 1805
Historical Context
Venus and Cupid, painted around 1805 and now in the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery in Bournemouth, is an early treatment of the mythological subject that Etty would revisit throughout his career. The goddess of love with her son Cupid was one of the most frequently depicted classical subjects, providing generations of painters with sanctioned opportunities for painting the female nude. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery preserves this painting within its eclectic Victorian collection.
Technical Analysis
Etty's characteristic pearly flesh tones are achieved through careful layering of warm glazes, with the soft modeling of Venus's form demonstrating his debt to the Venetian coloristic tradition.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the pearly flesh tones achieved through careful layering of warm glazes — Venus and Cupid in an early treatment Etty would revisit throughout his career.
- ◆Look at the soft modeling demonstrating his debt to the Venetian coloristic tradition in this Russell-Cotes Art Gallery painting.
- ◆Observe the goddess of love with her son providing one of the most frequently depicted classical subjects, perfectly suited to Etty's gifts.
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