William Etty, R.A.

Given to the sitter; who married Robert Purdon, c.1829;
By descent to their daughter Mary Ann, who married Mr Admiraal, 1854; 
Given to her cousin, Charles Etty (1845-1937); 
By descent to his daughter, Jane Elizabeth, who married Mr Verloop;
Thomas Verloop, his sale, 1958;
Christie's, London, 28 November 1969, lot 184 (boughts Wood for 500 guineas);
Christie's, London, 21 March 1975, lot 150, where bought by Sir David Scott for 700 guineas

London, Arts Council of Great Britain, William Etty, 1955, no.2.

Dennis Farr, William Etty, London, 1958, pp. 167-8, no.166, illustrated pl. 2b.

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined and there is a small wax patch to the reverse, centre right. PAINT SURFACE Scattered craquelure particularly visible to the flesh areas. Scattered spots of old retouching that has discoloured is also visible to the flesh area. A couple of old retouchings also visible to the naked eye centre right. ULTRAVIOLET UV light confirms the retouching to the aforementioned spots visible to the naked eye. In addition it reveals, scattered spots notable to the upper corners, clothing and an area to the left of the face. FRAME Held in a decorative gilded composite frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

Catherine Etty, known to family and friends as Kitty, was the eldest daughter of the artist's brother John. Painted in 1811 this tender and intimate portrait dates from the beginning of Etty's career and forms part of a group of early portraits of the artist's family. Writing from York on 19 June 1811 to his favourite elder brother Walter in London, Etty described his parents 'snug little cottage' which cannot accommodate guests 'so I sleep at John's where I have painted his eldest daughter Kitty (who bye the bye, is grown a tall and genteel girl, tis a pity she is now from school, sewing in the shop and making spice)'.