Venus And Cupid Descending 

William Etty painted "Venus and Cupid Descending," with oil on canvas, showing Venus and Cupid floating on a cloud. Etty was celebrated in his time for his skill at painting the nude, often drawing on classical mythology. This choice was radical in early 19th century England where the art world was deeply bound to the moralizing narratives of the Church. As such, Etty positioned himself as a controversial figure, his art flying in the face of traditional notions of morality and public decency, yet he was celebrated for his artistic skill. Historians of art consider the artist’s position in society and must also consult a wide range of sources, from exhibition reviews, and private correspondence, to the records of art institutions to understand the social and intellectual environment that shaped both the artist and the reception of their work. We can see how Etty both challenged and reflected the values of his time, his art now acting as a portal into understanding early 19th-century English society.