A fine, large and rare oil on paper study of a standing male nude by celebrated victorian artist William Etty RA. The sitter is pictured full length and naked against drapery with his leg and arm raised in an heroic pose. It is clear from this fine work why Etty was was responsible for raising the status of the nude in Victorian art. The colouring of his works draws on Venetian art and the sensuous handling of voluptuous nudes such as this call to mind the work of Rubens (1577-1640) The fluid brushstrokes and warm, rich colours of the artist also often reflect the influence of Delacroix (1798-1863)Etty also uses dramatic contrasts of light and dark to enliven this dramatic pose and it is clear that the artists primary interest here is the model''s torso and the vibrancy of his flesh, set against a richly coloured background. This fine work is in an excellent state of conservation with vivid colours and impasto brushwork. It is ready to hang and enjoy in its fine original an...