William Etty, R.A. 1843 - 1847

This calotype portrait of William Etty, a prominent English painter, was taken by the renowned Scottish photographic duo, Hill and Adamson, in 1843. The image captures Etty in a contemplative pose, his face illuminated by natural light, while he seemingly sketches on a piece of paper. This intimate portrayal exemplifies Hill and Adamson's mastery of the calotype process, which emerged as a key development in early photography, providing a detailed and nuanced depiction of their subject. The photograph is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and is a significant example of 19th-century portraiture.