William Etty, Preparing for a Fancy Dress Ball (1833). York Museums Trust (York Art Gallery). Purchased with the aid of grants from the Friends of York Art Gallery; The Art Fund; MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Tomasso Brothers, 2009
York Art Gallery has acquired a portrait by the city's most famous artist, William Etty.
The purchase of the painting, Preparing for a Fancy Dress Ball, was made possible by more than £120,000 in donations from groups including Friends of York Art Gallery and independent charity The Art Fund.
The work was commissioned in 1833 by MP Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn, depicting two of his five daughters. Charlotte, his eldest daughter, is portrayed helping her sister Mary to decorate her hair with a ribbon and a rose. It was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1835.
Andrew Macdonald, Acting Director of The Art Fund, called the painting "striking" and said that it would be "instantly attractive" to visitors. "Etty's York roots make the acquisition doubly significant," he added.
Etty was born in York in 1787. He is best known for his nude paintings, yet also painted portraits. Throughout his career he maintained strong links with his home city, campaigning for the building of a school of design and fighting to protect historic buildings.
The portrait will be on display in the Gallery from November 26.
