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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 faint, loose drawings in graphite on light paper. The lines look like quick, sketchy figures—some standing, some tangled together. Branches or vines weave through the scene, almost like they’re part of the people. The drawing feels half-finished, like the artist was testing ideas. The light pencil strokes make everything look soft and unfinished, almost like a first draft. Next, check out Romanticism to see how artists used emotion and nature in their work.