William Etty (1787-1849). Painter of historical subjects and one of the few English artists to concentrate upon the nude. Born in York, the son of a baker. Became a printer's apprentice to Robert Pech at Hull and trained as a compositor for seven years from 1798-1805. Entered Royal Academy Schools in 1808, Benjamin Robert Haydon being a fellow student and studied under Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830). Lived in Rome 1821-23 and also worked in Venice where he was greatly influenced by the work of Titian (1487/90-1576). Returned to London in 1824. Elected ARA in 1824 and RA in 1828 defeating John Constable in the elections. Met Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) in 1825. Concentrated on painting the female nude and classical and mythological scenes. Retired to York in 1848 due to ill health where he died on 13 November 1849. Ruskin 's opinion of Etty varied and praise given in Modern Painters II, is taken away in a footnote in the 1883 edition ( Works, 4.197).