 The most contentious of Etty 's 1835 RA exhibits was Venus and Her Satellites , a depiction of the Toilet of Venus . This was condemned in much of the press as pornographic , and was described as having a " total absence of soul " , with The Observer in particular extremely hostile , calling for the Archbishop of Canterbury to become involved in chastising Etty for his lack of taste . Despite this condemnation , Etty considered Venus and her Satellites one of his best works , and sold it to Rev. Edward Pryce Owen for the substantial sum of 300 guineas ( about £ 28 @,@ 000 in 2016 terms ) in August . 
