William Etty, R.A.

With M. Newman, London, 1968;
Private collection, England.

The canvas has a firm relining, the paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouchings and strengthenings, most concentrated in Venus' right breast and arm, and in Cupid's right arm and legs. In overall fair condition. Offered in a carved and gesso gilt wood frame in good condition.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This picture relates to a number of works done by Etty in the 1820s. The closest is the celebrated Venus now wakes, and wakens Love in the Russell-Coates Art Gallery, Bournemouth, exhibited at the British Institution in 1828.¹ The title is a quotation from Milton’s Comus, but the picture is also known as The Dawn of Love and Etty clearly had a similar theme in mind for the present picture.

1. See D. Farr, Etty, 1958, reproduced fig. 276.