William Etty (British, 1787–1849), , Musidora: The Bather 'At the Doubtful Breeze Alarmed'

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European Art & Old Masters

By Freeman's

Feb 23, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-02-23 12:00:00 2021-02-23 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : European Art & Old Masters https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/european-art-old-masters-6395
A collection of important European artworks including an important rediscovered painting by Carl Moll, and three newly authenticated works by 17th century French and Italian Masters, Valentin de Boulogne, Carlo Dolci and Lionello Spada. Curated by David Weiss, Head of Sale. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

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• Lot Description
  William Etty (British, 1787–1849)

  Musidora: The Bather 'At the Doubtful Breeze Alarmed'

  Oil on canvas

  19 x 15 1/2 in. (48.3 x 39.4cm)

  Executed circa 1843-1846.

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  PROVENANCE:

  Phillips, London, sale of July 20, 1993, lot 26 (sold as The Bather).

  Christie's, South Kensington, sale of March 12, 1998, lot 182 (sold as Musidora).

  Christie's, South Kensington, sale of June 8, 2000, lot 252 (sold as Musidora - The Bather - At the Doubtful Breeze Alarmed).

  Acquired directly from the above sale.

  The Forbes Collection, Florida.

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  NOTE:

  Between 1843 and 1846, William Etty produced four different canvases of the same subject, showing Musidora bathing in a stream. The present work is believed to be the first or fourth version, while the second and the third are now at the Tate Britain and the Manchester Art Gallery, respectively. The theme was inspired to Etty by James Thompson's poem "Summer" as published in The Seasons and in which he described a young lady, Musidora, caught by surprise by a young man, Damon, as she bathes in the river. Conflicted between his own sexual curiosity and the moral code that begs him to leave, the man in fact cannot turn away his gaze. Exhibited with much success during Etty's lifetime and long considered amongst his best works, Musidora eventually became unpopular, as the iconography was soon replaced by another, more alluring topic favored by the Pre-Raphaelites, Lady Godiva. At the time Musidora was executed, the nude was a difficult theme to tackle, and Etty suffered from many critics for his ultra-realistic, unflattering depictions of the female body. Here on the contrary, Musidora being a literary theme, the representation of the nude body felt appropriate, and entirely respectable. In the present painting, Etty chose not to represent Damon. In doing so, he places the viewer in the position of the voyeur and forces us to reflect on our reaction - a common attitude among artists in Victorian England: should we appreciate Etty's talent by contemplating the female figure, or should we shily turn our head away?

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’s possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00