Copy after Titianâs âLa Bellaâ
Despite the experimentation and innovation in English painting during his lifetime, Etty remained untouched by it. He pursued an independent course, copying the old masters and between 1822-23 visited all the main Italian cities. After this, his approach became far more serious and out of step with his contemporaries. To be inspired by Rubens (1577-1640) and Titian (c.1487-1576) made his art an anachronism in its time. Etty retained strong links with York, involving himself in the successful campaign to prevent the demolition of the cityâs medieval walls. Ettyâs letters to his friend Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830) reveal his passion for the original by Titian, one of the artistâs most beautiful and sumptuous works. Etty responded to it with passion but could not replicate the magic of the original. Given its sketchiness there is every likelihood that the artist executed it on the spot.
