Artwork

Portrait of William Etty

Portrait of William Etty, by Richard Redgrave, 1850
Portrait of William Etty, by Richard Redgrave, 1850

Portrait of William Etty is a drawing by Richard Redgrave. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This pencil drawing by Richard Redgrave depicts William Etty, a fellow artist. Created in 1850, it showcases Redgrave's quick and expressive draftsmanship.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait focuses on Etty's head, capturing his likeness in a straightforward, unadorned manner. The simplicity of the drawing suggests a personal or preparatory study rather than a formal portrait.

Technique & Style

Redgrave employed loose, dark lines to define the subject's features, with rapid, uneven strokes used for the hair and clothing. A subtle red wash adds a touch of color to the drawing, highlighting the collar and cheek.

Context

The sketchy, unfinished quality of the drawing implies that it was created quickly, possibly as a study or observational exercise. The use of overlapping lines and expressive strokes contributes to its informal character.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Richard Redgrave

Artist

Richard Redgrave

Richard Redgrave was an English landscape artist, genre painter, author, and administrator.