Study of a Peacock

William Etty 1787 - 1849

Summary

A right side profile study of a peacock, standing with its head up and tail down. The background is a deep blue cloud covered sky.

Display Label

Study of a Peacock about 1846 William Etty 1787-1849 Oil on canvas This sketch is a study for a detail of a larger work, The Judgement of Paris (Scarborough Art Gallery). The finished painting represents the classical myth of the presentation of a golden apple to Venus. This award was decided by the shepherd Paris, who judges her fairest of the goddesses. The freely-handled paint and luxurious colour of the sketch are hallmarks of the free expression often associated with Romantic art. This example was owned by Sir Joseph Whitworth, a millionaire engineer from Manchester. Gift of Sir Joseph Whitworth 1882.148