The Warrior Arming (Godfrey de Bouillon)

William Etty 1787 - 1849

Summary

A portrait of a warrior with a luxuriant beard, dressed in armour. Behind him, on the right is a black servant in headwear with a large hoop earring, helping him dress. The warrior wears a large crucifix around his neck; his face is turned slightly to the right, and his eyes look upwards. Armorial trappings fill the lower half of the work, including a sword on the right, and red plumes on the left.

Display Label

The Warrior Arming (Godfrey de Bouillon) 1833-4 William Etty 1787-1849 Oil on canvas De Bouillon was a knight of the first Christian Crusade and was elected ruler of Jerusalem after it fell in 1099. He is shown wearing a Crusader's crucifix and is dressed by an African servant. Etty reflects contemporary interest in the Middle Ages. Not only did he consult historians and collect armour, but he also wrote letters in a mock medieval style under the pseudonym of 'Godfrey'. The painting was very favourably reviewed after its exhibition at the Royal Academy. It was bought by the art collector Robert Vernon, who made his fortune supplying horses to the army. It was later owned by the engineer Joseph Whitworth. Gift of Sir Joseph Whitworth 1882.145