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Figures Illustrating Balance and Perspective [recto]

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Figures Illustrating Balance and Perspective [recto] is a 1790 graphite by John Flaxman, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Flaxman
When & what style?: 1790 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This page shows quick, sketchy drawings of people in different poses. Some are standing still, others are mid-motion like running or jumping. There’s also a sketch of a person holding a pole or spear. The lines are light and faint, almost like notes jotted down fast. The top of the page has the words *"Balance of the figure by the arm"* written in ink. The sketches seem to focus on how arms and legs help people stay balanced while moving. If you like these loose, study-like drawings, check out Flaxman, John.