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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 shows two figures tangled together in a rough, quick line. One person is on their knees, reaching up, while the other leans over them, arms outstretched. The paper is worn and creased, with faint marks where the pencil pressed hard. The loose, sketchy style suggests this was drawn fast—maybe to capture movement or emotion. The lines feel urgent, like the artist was thinking through poses rather than finishing them. Next, look up Romanticism to see how this fits into a bigger artistic mood.