Open full image Pin

Sheet of Studies

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Sheet of Studies 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 sketch shows quick, loose drawings of people in action. The figures are simple, with just a few lines marking their shapes and movement. Some look like they’re dancing or fighting, while others seem to be in groups. The paper is worn and torn at the edges, like it’s been handled a lot over time. The artist used only graphite, so everything is in shades of gray. Next, check out Romanticism to see how this style fits into bigger art trends.