The Wrestlers (Etty)

"The Wrestlers" is an oil painting created around 1840 by the English artist William Etty. This work vividly captures a wrestling match between a black man and a white man and is housed in the York Art Gallery. The intense physicality of the wrestlers is brought to life under bright lighting, showcasing Etty's masterful skill in depicting the human form.

Though Etty is primarily renowned for his paintings of nude women, he also turned his artistic focus toward men in combat. This particular piece reflects the growing popularity of sports during that era and indicates a shifting British attitude toward race relations.

In "The Wrestlers" Etty's meticulous attention to skin tones and musculature is prominently displayed. The contrast between the black and white wrestlers is striking. Etty likely painted this piece over three evenings at the Royal Academy's life class, which he continued to frequent even in his later years. Depicting a black and white wrestler grappling was uncommon at the time and challenged contemporary beliefs about physical strength and race.

Interestingly, the painting wasn't publicly exhibited for nearly a century after the York Art Gallery acquired it in 1947. Etty, a pioneer in British nude painting, often faced criticism for his depictions of female nudity. However, his portraits of male nudes, like "The Wrestlers" were generally well-received. The Industrial Revolution’s emphasis on physical fitness and the idealization of classical Hellenistic figures influenced artists like Etty to portray strong, disciplined men in combat.

"The Wrestlers" likely emerged during a period marked by social and political discussions about race, coinciding with events like the World Anti-Slavery Convention. The painting's sale history and limited contemporary reviews add to its mystery and intrigue. Despite fluctuations in Etty's posthumous popularity, his work, including "The Wrestlers" has been featured in major exhibitions that highlight his contributions to British art.