Dimensions: support: 762 x 632 mm frame: 1015 x 892 x 92 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: Here we have William Etty's portrait of Miss Mary Arabella Jay. It's quite lovely, with this serene and slightly melancholic feel. What do you notice in terms of its composition? Curator: The composition is structured around contrasting textures and forms. Note the interplay between the soft drapery and the more structured bodice, the contrast between the organic flowers and the sitter's carefully arranged hair, and how light emphasizes these elements. Editor: So, the focus is on how the different elements interact with each other? Curator: Precisely. Etty uses these contrasts to create a dynamic, visually engaging surface, inviting a deeper consideration of form over narrative. Editor: That's fascinating, I see it now. Thanks for pointing that out!
Comments
http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/etty-miss-mary-arabella-jay-n06268
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
Many portraits were shown at the annual exhibitions in the early 19th century, yet portraiture was often seen as a lesser art form. This is one of a small number of portraits Etty exhibited throughout his career, as he primarily showed history paintings that were highly regarded by his contemporaries. The sitter is Mary Arabella Jay. She is the daughter of one of Etty’s acquaintances, the Reverend William Jay of Bath, a noted preacher. Gallery label, October 2019
CollectMore like this
