Artwork

Comfort the Afflicted

Comfort the Afflicted, by John Flaxman, ink, 1790
Comfort the Afflicted, by John Flaxman, ink, 1790

Comfort the Afflicted is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist John Flaxman. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower center in graphite: Comfort the Afflicted

About this work

Overview

Comfort the Afflicted is a late 18th-century drawing created by English artist John Flaxman around 1790, characterized by its use of pen and gray ink, complemented by gray and brown wash over a graphite base on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing's subject matter, as implied by its title, revolves around the theme of providing solace to those in distress, though specific narrative details or figures are not explicitly described in available information.

Technique & Style

Flaxman's Neoclassical inclinations are evident in the drawing's emphasis on linear precision, paired with a subdued approach to emotional expression, reflecting his dual background in sculpture and graphic arts.

History & Provenance

Produced during Flaxman's Neoclassical period, the work's creation followed his formative years at Wedgwood's pottery and a pivotal stay in Rome, which significantly influenced his illustrative techniques.

Context

Comfort the Afflicted sits within the broader context of Flaxman's professional output, which included funerary sculpture and graphic art, indicating a thematic and stylistic coherence across his diverse artistic practices.

Woman Scrubbing the Floor
Woman Scrubbing the Floor, Daniel Maclise

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Flaxman

Artist

John Flaxman

John Flaxman (6 July 1755 – 7 December 1826) was an English sculptor and draughtsman who was a leading figure in British and European Neoclassicism.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Comfort the Afflicted?

Comfort the Afflicted was painted by John Flaxman in 1790.

Where can I see Comfort the Afflicted?

Comfort the Afflicted is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Comfort the Afflicted?

Comfort the Afflicted is associated with Romanticism.