 [ Etty is ] an artist who has hitherto appeared before the public only in a few small easel @-@ pictures , striking indeed from their arrangement , and their approach towards the Venetian system of colour , but destitute of any particular interest . He has now come forward in a new character — as a painter in the great style of epic composition ; and if his future efforts do but equal the expectations raised by his first essay , we shall have reasons to rejoice at the change . His ideal group of " The Combat " , in the present exhibition at the Royal Academy , is particularly striking , from its uncommon combination of beauties , without possessing any very extraordinary merit in any single quality , taken separately . Its style of colouring , perhaps , forms its most distinguishing feature ; and in this respect the artist has still adhered closely to the system pursued by the Venetian school . The arrangement of his colours is admirably successful , and we could instance individual passages of extraordinary beauty . Of these , none is more eminently deserving than the right foot of the female , which seems actually to glow with the rich juice of life . Generally speaking , the extremities are well understood , and carefully executed , and the composition of the figures is in the most masterly style . 
