Studies for Joan of Arc

1840 and 1841

Pilgrimage to the Netherlands

In 1840 and again in 1841 Etty made a pilgrimage to the Netherlands to study the paintings of the Dutch masters, including Rubens, in the country’s churches and public galleries.

1840s

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.

1848

Leaves London for York

As his health progressively worsened, Etty retired to York in 1848, leaving Betsy alone in his London apartment; he knew she was considering marriage but was confident he could persuade her to join him. Betsy did eventually come to York and was present at his death in 1849, shortly after a major retrospective exhibition. Even in London he had kept a keen interest in his native city and was instrumental in founding York’s first art school and in the campaign to preserve its city walls.

13 novembre 1849

Died