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Sheet of Studies [recto and verso]

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Sheet of Studies [recto and verso] 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 is loose and fast, drawn in gray pencil on paper. Two figures stand facing each other—one holds a round object like a shield, the other points with a stick. Below them, a small table holds a lamp and a few scattered items. The lines are rough, almost like quick notes rather than a finished drawing. The drawing looks like practice, not a polished work. The artist might have been testing poses or objects for a bigger project. The loose style fits the Romantic era, where emotion and speed mattered more than perfect lines. Next, check out Romanticism to see how artists used sketching to explore ideas.