Preparing for a Fancy Dress Ball (Charlotte and Mary Williams-Wynn)
William Etty, 1833

York Art Gallery has the largest holding of works by the York born artist William Etty in any UK public collection. This work shows a new aspect of his portraiture. The majority of Etty's portraits depict friends or associates of the artist but this portrait was commissioned by an upper class patron, Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn MP, and is one of only a handful of society portraits painted by the artist. It depicts two of the patron's five daughters; the standing figure holds a ribbon and turns towards the viewer, as if she has been interrupted whilst making the final preparations to her sister's costume.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Preparing for a Fancy Dress Ball (Charlotte and Mary Williams-Wynn), 1833
Date supported
2009
Medium and material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
150.8 x 128.8 cm
Grant
40000
Total cost
120000

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