A fine 19th-century oil-on-paper drawing, titled Female Nude Study, attributed to the English School artist William Etty. This sensitively executed work exemplifies Etty’s celebrated dedication to the human form, particularly the nude figure, a genre for which he became renowned in Britain during the early 19th century.
The study captures naturalistic proportions, tonal modelling, and classical influence, hallmarks of Etty’s distinctive style.
Provenance
From the private collection of Henry Sapio Reitlinger (noted collector of Old Master drawings and works on paper).
Later sold at Sotheby’s & Co., 1954, with catalogue entry and lot description included.
Subsequently acquired by Patrick Boyd-Carpenter, a specialist in Old Master drawings and works on paper.
Comes with the original Sotheby’s 1954 catalogue, illustrated and referenced.
About the Artist – William Etty (1787–1849)
William Etty was born in York and trained at the Royal Academy Schools from 1806, later studying under Sir Thomas Lawrence and French painter Jean-Baptiste Regnault.
Etty became the only British painter of the 19th century to achieve major success through the depiction of the nude figure, often drawing inspiration from classical mythology and history. Elected a Royal Academician in 1825, he produced both large-scale exhibition works and smaller-scale commissions for private collectors. His legacy lies in combining the grandeur of classical tradition with the intimacy of life studies.
Dimensions
Drawing (sight): 31 × 22.86 cm
With frame: 60 × 49 cm
Weight: Approx. 2 kg
Condition Report
Drawing: In good and well-preserved condition.
Frame: Minor surface wear consistent with age.
Overall: A fine and well-documented example, accompanied by strong provenance and Sotheby’s catalogue reference.
A fine 19th-century oil-on-paper drawing, titled Female Nude Study, attributed to the English School artist William Etty. This sensitively executed work exemplifies Etty’s celebrated dedication to the human form, particularly the nude figure, a genre for which he became renowned in Britain during the early 19th century.
The study captures naturalistic proportions, tonal modelling, and classical influence, hallmarks of Etty’s distinctive style.
Provenance
From the private collection of Henry Sapio Reitlinger (noted collector of Old Master drawings and works on paper).
Later sold at Sotheby’s & Co., 1954, with catalogue entry and lot description included.
Subsequently acquired by Patrick Boyd-Carpenter, a specialist in Old Master drawings and works on paper.
Comes with the original Sotheby’s 1954 catalogue, illustrated and referenced.
About the Artist – William Etty (1787–1849)
William Etty was born in York and trained at the Royal Academy Schools from 1806, later studying under Sir Thomas Lawrence and French painter Jean-Baptiste Regnault.
Etty became the only British painter of the 19th century to achieve major success through the depiction of the nude figure, often drawing inspiration from classical mythology and history. Elected a Royal Academician in 1825, he produced both large-scale exhibition works and smaller-scale commissions for private collectors. His legacy lies in combining the grandeur of classical tradition with the intimacy of life studies.
Dimensions
Drawing (sight): 31 × 22.86 cm
With frame: 60 × 49 cm
Weight: Approx. 2 kg
Condition Report
Drawing: In good and well-preserved condition.
Frame: Minor surface wear consistent with age.
Overall: A fine and well-documented example, accompanied by strong provenance and Sotheby’s catalogue reference.
