 On its exhibition , The Combat was generally highly praised by critics for its technical excellence , its combination of the Venetian and English styles of painting , and as an indication that Etty was moving away from nudity and towards history painting . The European Magazine , and London Review commented that " in colour this picture strongly reminds us of the great heroes of the Venetian school , while in learned intelligence of form , and energy of action , it greatly surpasses them " , observing that " we should not have the least objection to seeing this picture placed in one of the very first galleries , by the side of Titian and Paul Veronese . " 
