William EttyBritish, 1787–1849Study of a Magdalen
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Study of a Magdalen” now? Victoria and Albert Museum, Paintings, Room 82, The Edwin and Susan Davies Galleries, London. Yes, on view now. Checked September 25, 2026.
London, United Kingdom
RoomPaintings, Room 82, The Edwin and Susan Davies Galleries
Open now· until 5:45 PM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
St Mary Magdalene was a repentant sinner who became a follower of Jesus and was present at his crucifixion. She was sometimes portrayed as a naked hermit contemplating a skull and crucifix, symbols of faith and mortality. Here Etty has depicted her in an unusually sensual pose, with long earrings to suggest her past as a prostitute.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Details
- Accession number
- 811-1873
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
In the life of William Etty
The whole life1840s
The prolific and profitable 1840s
Etty was prolific and commercially successful throughout the 1840s, but the quality of his work deteriorated over this period.
1843–1845
His brother Charles returns from Java
In 1843 Etty’s younger brother Charles, a successful planter in Java, returned to England after more than 30 years abroad. William became deeply suspicious that Betsy was growing too close to Charles, a suspicion that intensified when Charles took her on a visit to Holland and the Rhine; Charles returned to Java in 1845.
c. 1844
Betsy grows close to Joseph Gillott
Around 1844 Betsy struck up a close relationship with the pen manufacturer and art collector Joseph Gillott, one of William’s regular customers who owned some of his pictures. Gillott was married with children, and the closeness of the relationship caused William concern.
